West Side Story School Edition

Young lovers are caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in a high school adaptation of one of the most important and powerful musicals of all time.

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. With additional resources for students and directors, West Side Story School Edition makes the iconic musical more accessible and meaningful for high school performers.

Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever; the score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are still widely regarded as among the best ever written; and Jerome Robbins’ choreography endures as one of the most innovative and inventive applications of the medium.

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to 1950s New York City as two young, idealistic lovers, Tony and Maria, find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Free Read: Director's Guide Libretto

You can also listen to the full song clips on the right hand side of this page.

Available with the School Edition

Re-creating Robbins' choreography and playing Bernstein's score has been a consistent challenge for high school performers and directors trying to mount the show. West Side Story School Edition helps remove these obstacles by providing an official Choreography Manual and videos featuring easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for all of the show's iconic dance numbers. The educationally-appropriate videos highlight students from all over the world under the supervision of Jerome Robbins expert Julio Monge.

Guide Vocal Tracks sung by student performers are included as digital downloadable files with your license, while Performance Accompaniment Tracks playable through the MTI Player app are available as an additional resource for schools without access to an orchestra.

The Director's Guide includes suggestions and solutions for sets, props, costumes, staging and more. In addition, the Enhanced Study Guide provides in-depth analysis of the show's themes, major moments and historical context.

The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark adaptation of the Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.

Full Synopsis Materials and Orchestration

Concert Selections for West Side Story

MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.

ASSASSINS SUITE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Estimated duration
0 sec
ASTONISHING

From
LITTLE WOMEN

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Starting Key
Db

Estimated duration
7 min 15 sec

Music by
HOWLAND, JASON

Lyrics by
DICKSTEIN, MINDI

Orchestrated by
SCHARNBERG, KIM

Instrumentation
5 Bass, 6 Cello, 7 Viola, 8 Violin 2, 9 Violin 1, 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Horn, 1 Trumpet, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Piano, 3 Percussion, 2 Piano Vocal Scores
ASTOUNDING ROMANTIC ADVENTURES OF GOYA

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (WITH VOCAL)

Arranged for
CHORUS

Starting Key
Dm

Estimated duration
8 min 55 sec

Music by
MAURY YESTON

Lyrics by
MAURY YESTON

Arranged by
BRAD DECHTER

Instrumentation
1 Piccolo, 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Trumpet1, 1 Trumpet2, 1 Trombone1, 1 Trombone2, 1 Trombone3, 1 Horn1, 1 Horn2, 17 Violin 1&2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Harpsichord, 1 Timpani, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 25 Vocal, 1 Full Score
AT NIGHT SHE COMES HOME TO ME

From
BABY

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
2 MALE VOICES

Starting Key
Gb

Estimated duration
5 min 15 sec

Music by
SHIRE, DAVID

Lyrics by
MALTBY JR., RICHARD

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

Instrumentation
1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 French horn, 1 Trombone, 17 Violin 1&2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 1 Guitar, 1 Electric bass, 1 Drum, 1 Keyboard 1(Piano), 1 Keyboard 2(Rhodes), 2 Piano Conductor
AVE MARIA (BACH/GOUNOD)

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (WITH VOCAL)

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
4 min 4 sec

Music by
BACH, J.S.

GOUNOD, CHARLES

Arranged by
GIBSON, MICHAEL

Instrumentation
1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon, 2 Harp/Solo Voice, 6 Violin 1, 5 Violin 2, 3 Viola, 3 Cello, 3 Bass, 1 Full Score
AVE MARIA (SCHUBERT)

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (WITH VOCAL)

Arranged for
FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
Bb

Estimated duration
2 min 10 sec

Music by
SCHUBERT, FRANZ

Arranged by
BROHN, WILLIAM D.

Instrumentation
1 Flute 1, 1 Flute 2, 1 Oboe 1, 1 Oboe 2, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Bassoon 2, 1 Horn 1, 1 Horn 2, 1 Horn 3, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Harp, 1 Organ, 1 Conductor Score, 1 Chorus book
AWAY IN A MANGER

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (WITH VOCAL)

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
Gb

Estimated duration
3 min 30 sec

Arranged by
GIBSON, MICHAEL

Instrumentation
1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1(Bb), 1 Clarinet 2(Bb), 1 Bassoon, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Celesta, 1 Conductor Score
BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE/NO TWO PEOPLE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (WITH VOCAL)

Estimated duration
0 sec

Music by
Frank Loesser
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (WITH VOCAL)

Arranged for
1 MALE VOICE, 1 FEMALE VOICE

Starting Key
Eb

Estimated duration
3 min 44 sec

Music by
LOESSER, FRANK

Lyrics by
LOESSER, FRANK

Arranged by
MARTIN, JACK

Instrumentation
2 Flute 1&2, 2 Oboe 1&2, 2 Clarinet 1&2, 2 Bassoon 1&2, 1 Trumpet 1, 2 Trumpet 2&3, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 2 Trombone 2&3, 1 Tuba, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Percussion(Trap set), 1 Vocal, 1 Full Score, 2 Chorus books
BACK ON BASE

From
CLOSER THAN EVER

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
5 min 30 sec

Music by
DAVID SHIRE

Lyrics by
RICHARD MALTBY JR
BALLAD OF BOOTH

From
ASSASSINS

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
2 Male Voices

Starting Key
Eb

Estimated duration
13 min 54 sec

Music by
Stephen Sondheim

Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim

Orchestrated by
Michael Starobin

Instrumentation
1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Clarinet), 1 Trumpet, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Bass, 1 Guitar 1, 2 Percussion, 1 Guitar 2, 1 Full score, 3 Piano Conductor, 1 Keyboard 1, 1 Keyboard 2
BALLAD OF SWEENEY TODD

From
SWEENEY TODD

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
CHORUS, (FEATURED SOLOS)

Starting Key
F#m

Estimated duration
5 min 31 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

Instrumentation
2 Piccolo, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bassoon, 1 Horn 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Organ, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books
BARCELONA

From
COMPANY

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (INSTRUMENTAL)

Starting Key
Eb

Estimated duration
7 min 10 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Arranged by
SEBESKY, DON

Instrumentation
1 Flute 1(Double Alto), 1 Flute 2(Double Alto Piccolo), 2 Oboe 1&2, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 English horn, 1 Horn 1, 1 Horn 2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Horn 4, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Bassoon 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Harp, 1 Percussion 1(Vibes), 1 Percussion 2(Cymb, Mark tree, Glock, Maraca), 1 Piano, 1 Full Score
BARCELONA

From
COMPANY

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE

Starting Key
Eb

Estimated duration
5 min 20 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

Instrumentation
Reed 1 (Alto Flute, Flute), Reed 2 (Alto Flute, Flute), Reed 3 (Bass Clarinet), Reed 4 (Clarinet), Reed 5 (Clarinet), 2 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, (2) Percussion, Guitar (Acoustic), Piano, (16) Violins, (6) Cello, Bass. You rental set will also include 3 Piano-Conductor Scores and 1 Full Score.
BAUBLES, BANGLES AND BEADS

From
KISMET

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 3 MALES VOICES, CHORUS

Starting Key
E

Estimated duration
6 min 52 sec

Music by
WRIGHT, ROBERT

FIRREST, GEORGE

Lyrics by
WRIGHT, ROBERT

FORREST, GEORGE

Orchestrated by
KAY, ARTHUR

Instrumentation
1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 2 Horn(F), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Tuba, 9 Violin AC, 8 Violin BD, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus Books
BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

From
FOLLIES

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS

Starting Key
E

Estimated duration
7 min 38 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

Instrumentation
2 Reed 1(Flute), 2 Reed 2(Clarinet), 2 Reed 3(Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Tenor), 1 Reed 5(Baritone), 1 Horn, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1Trombone 2, 1 Trombone 3, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Guitar, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books
BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE OF DENVER

From
UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, THE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$10,000

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Estimated duration
0 sec
BEING ALIVE

From
COMPANY

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Starting Key
Eb

Estimated duration
7 min 22 sec

Music by
STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Lyrics by
STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Orchestrated by
JONATHAN TUNICK

Instrumentation
Reed 1 (Flute, Alto Sax), Reed 2 (Flute, Tenor Sax), Reed 3 (Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax), Reed 4 (Clarinet, Baritone Sax), Reed 5 (Clarinet, Baritone Sax), 2 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, (2) Percussion, Guitar (Electric), Piano, (16) Violins, (6) Cello, Bass. Your rental set will also include 2 Piano-Conductor Scores, 20 Chorus Books, and 1 Full Score.
BEING ALIVE (EXPANDED)

From
COMPANY

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (WITH VOCAL)

Arranged for
Male Soloist, Optional Ensemble (for dialogue only)

Starting Key
Eb

Estimated duration
0 sec

Music by
Stephen Sondheim

Lyrics by
Stephen Sondheim

Orchestrated by
Jonathan Tunick

Instrumentation
Reed I (Flute 1), Reed II (Flute 2), Reed III (Bass Clarinet), Reed IV (Clarinet 1 in Bb), Reed V (Clarinet 2 in Bb), 2 Horns in F, 3 Trumpets in Bb, 2 Trombones, (3) Percussion (Timpani, Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells, Drums), (8) Violin 1, (8) Violin 2, (7) Viola, (6) Violoncello, (5) Contrabass. Your rental materials also include 1 Full Score, and 20 Piano-Vocal Scores*. (*Extra PV Scores are provided for ensemble members, if performing the dialogue cues)
BELL MEDLEY

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
CONCERT/SYMPHONIC ARRANGEMENT (INSTRUMENTAL)

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
5 min 30 sec

Music by
TRADITIONAL

Arranged by
BROHN, WILLIAM
BELLY UP TO THE BAR BOYS

From
UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, THE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, MALE CHORUS

Starting Key
F

Estimated duration
6 min 55 sec

Music by
WILLSON, MEREDITH

Lyrics by
WILLSON, MEREDITH

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

Instrumentation
1 Piccolo, 1 Clarinet 1, 1 Clarinet 2, 1 Clarinet 3(Bass clarinet), 1 Opt Baritone sax, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 3 Horn 1 2&3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 17 Violin 1&2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion(Wood block, Slap stick, Oriental tom tom, Timpani, Cymb, Drum set), 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books
BIG ASS ROCK

From
FULL MONTY, THE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
5 min 43 sec

Music by
DAVID YAZBEK

Lyrics by
DAVID YAZBEK

Orchestrated by
HAROLD WHEELER
BIG BRIGHT BEAUTIFUL WORLD

From
SHREK THE MUSICAL

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Estimated duration
0 sec
BIG D

From
MOST HAPPY FELLA, THE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 FEMALE VOICE, 1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS

Starting Key
F

Estimated duration
5 min 35 sec

Music by
LOESSER, FRANK

Lyrics by
LOESSER, FRANK

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

Instrumentation
1 Reed 1(Flute), 1 Reed 2(Oboe), 1 Reed 3(Bb Clarinet), 1 Reed 4(Bass Clarinet), 1 Reed 5(Bassoon), 2 Trumpet 1&2, 2 Horn 1&2, 1 Horn 3, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 9 Violin 1, 8 Violin 2, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Accordian, 2 Piano Conductor, 25 Chorus books
BIG NEWS

First Performance Fee:
$0
Each Additional Performance:
$0
BIG NEWS

From
PARADE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Starting Key
F

Estimated duration
5 min 7 sec

Music by
BROWN, JASON ROBERT

Lyrics by
BROWN, JASON ROBERT

Orchestrated by
DON SEBESKY

Instrumentation
1 Reed 1 (Alto Saxophone), 1 Reed 2 (Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone), 1 Reed 3 (Tenor Saxophone), 1 Reed 4 (1 Baritone Saxophone), 2 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 1 Trombone, 2 Percussion, 1 Acoustic Guitar, 1 Keyboard, (6) Violins, (2) Cello, (1) Bass. Your materials will also include 2 copies of the Piano Conductor Score.
BLESS YOUR BEAUTIFUL HIDE

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 MALE VOICE

Starting Key
D

Estimated duration
6 min 40 sec

Music by
DE PAUL, GENE

Lyrics by
MERCER, JOHNNY

Orchestrated by
KOSTAL, IRWIN

Instrumentation
1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Bb Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Horn 1, 1 Horn 2, 1 Trumpet 1, 1 Trumpet 2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 1 Trombone 2, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 1 Drums, 2 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Guitar, 2 Piano/Conductor
BOWS & EXIT MUSIC ("INTO THE WOODS")

From
INTO THE WOODS

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Starting Key
G

Estimated duration
0 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

Instrumentation
1 Flute, 1 Bassoon, 1 Clarinet, 1 Trumpet(in B6), 1 Trumpet(in C), 2 Horn 1&2, 5 Bass, 6 Cello, 7 Viola, 17 Violin, 3 Percussion, 1 Piano, 1 Synthesizer, 2 Piano Conductor, 1 Full score
BOWS ("COMPANY")

From
COMPANY

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
1 MALE VOICE, CHORUS

Starting Key
D

Estimated duration
5 min 6 sec

Music by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Lyrics by
SONDHEIM, STEPHEN

Orchestrated by
TUNICK, JONATHAN

Instrumentation
Reed 1 (Piccolo, Alto Sax, Reed 2 (Flute, Tenor Sax), Reed 3 (Clarinet, Tenor Sax), Reed 4 (Baritone Sax), Reed 5 (Baritone Sax), 2 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, (2) Percussion, Guitar (Electric), Piano, (16) Violins, (6) Cello, 4 Vocal Minority (optional). Your rental set will also include 2 Piano-Conductor Scores, 14 Chorus Books, and 1 Full Score.
BOWS ("FIDDLER ON THE ROOF")

From
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

First Performance Fee:
$175
Each Additional Performance:
$100

Type
SHOW EXTRACTION

Arranged for
INSTRUMENTAL

Starting Key
C

Estimated duration
0 sec

Music by
BOCK, JERRY

Orchestrated by
WALKER, DON

Instrumentation
1 Reed 1, 1 Reed 2, 1 Reed 3, 1 Reed 4, 1 Reed 5, 2 Trumpet 1&2, 1 Trumpet 3, 1 Trombone, 1 Horn, 17 Violin, 7 Viola, 6 Cello, 5 Bass, 3 Percussion, 1 Guitar, 1 Accordian, 2 Piano vocal

Show Essentials

Book by

Arthur Laurents

Music By

Leonard Bernstein

Lyrics by

Stephen Sondheim

Based on a Conception of

Jerome Robbins

Full Billing

Songs

Prologue

Jet Song

Something's Coming

The Dance at the Gym (Blues)

Mambo

Maria

Balcony Scene

America

Cool

One Hand, One Heart

Tonight

I Feel Pretty

Scherzo

Somewhere

Gee, Officer Krupke

A Boy Like That/I Have A Love

Finale

Full Song List

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