West Side Story exploded onto Broadway in 1957 in a sensational storm of exuberant dance and wistful romance. It was a phenomenon that never faded, “an incandescent piece of work” (The New York Times).
In 2024, this musical masterpiece returns to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour in an electrifying, larger-than-life staging.
Experience the greatest score ever written for musical theatre, dynamic dance numbers that soar through the open air, and a love story for the ages.
It’s war on New York’s Upper West Side, and the Jets and the Sharks are locked in a fierce turf battle. But as the two teen gangs hurtle down a dangerous path, Tony and Maria cross enemy lines, dreaming of a time and place where they can love freely.
The score is punctuated with hits: ‘America’, ‘Tonight’, ‘Maria’, ‘I Feel Pretty’, and the enduring ‘Somewhere’.
Opera and musical theatre great Francesca Zambello directs a production that revels in all that’s beautiful about West Side Story, with designers Brian Thomson and Jennifer Irwin transforming Sydney into a slice of New York.
See why this staging became the highest-selling ever on the harbour-top stage, delighting audiences and critics. Limelight called it “a wonderful production that uses the large, outdoor space cleverly, thrills with its electrifying choreography and catchy, complex score ★★★★ 1/2 ”.
If you’ve never been to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, prepare for a remarkable night out. Arrive early to enjoy the sun setting over Sydney Harbour as you raise a glass and drink in the view at one of the five pop-up bars and restaurants on site. Then take your place in the grandstand by the water to enjoy the enthralling show, complete with live orchestra hidden beneath the dramatic stage and fireworks in the balmy night air.
2hrs 30mins (incl. interval)
March 22nd, 2024
April 21st, 2024
Recommended for ages 12+
Sections A-E, in the first 5 rows are best seats for persons with limited mobility, who are not wheelchair users. Please note upon entry, you will walk downhill and up a few stairs to seats. Upon exit, the path is uphill.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is located at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney. Please refer to the Venue Map for more details.
Mrs Macquaries Road, leading into the venue, is likely to experience traffic congestion. We highly recommend avoiding this road by catching public transport or parking in surrounding car parks and then catching the free shuttle bus. Or, be delivered right to the Point in style by catching a water taxi.
Please note when walking from the train, bus, or ferry remember that access to the venue via the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is only possible prior to 6:30pm in March and 6pm in April. After this time, the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney is closed from all entrances and not possible to walk through.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY TRAIN: The nearest train stations are: St James: approximately a 16-minute walk (1.3 km)
Martin Place: approximately an 18-minute walk (1.5 km)
Circular Quay: approximately a 29-minute walk (2.3 km)
BY BUS: Bus route 200 stops on Macquarie Street.
BY WATER TAXI: Water taxis run a special service during the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour performance season. Water taxis will depart regularly from Man O’War Jetty (near the Sydney Opera House) from 5pm until 7.30pm and drop off at The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool wharf in Woolloomooloo Bay, which is a 3-minute walk to the venue. Please note there is a number of stairs leading up from the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool wharf to the performance venue.
BY CAR: The Domain Car Park is the closest car park and is open 24 hours. A free shuttle bus is available to guests who park in the Domain Car Park. Parking spots for those with mobility parking scheme permits are located at the northern end of the ground floor.
There is also metered parking along Mrs Macquaries Road, Hospital Road and Macquarie Street. Meters accept credit card or payment by mobile phone.
Art Gallery Road, leading into the venue, is likely to experience traffic congestion. We highly recommend arranging an alternative drop off/meeting point.
★★★★½ “A wonderful production that uses the large, outdoor space cleverly, thrills with its electrifying choreography and catchy, complex score” - Limelight
Based on concept of: Jerome Robbins
Book by: Arthur Laurents
Music by: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Entire Original Production Directed And Choreographed by: Jerome Robbins
Originally produced on Broadway by: Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince
By arrangement with: Roger L. Stevens
Licensed exclusively by: Music Theatre International (Australasia).
West Side Story on Sydney Harbour runs for 2hrs 30mins (incl. interval).
West Side Story on Sydney Harbour is at the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour - Fleet Steps, which is located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000.
West Side Story on Sydney Harbour tickets start at $84.
Recommended for ages 12+
West Side Story on Sydney Harbour tickets are available on TodayTix. Get West Side Story on Sydney Harbour tickets today.
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