West Side Story is often hailed as a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. This is true to an extent -- WSS was based directly off of it, so they do have very similar stories. However, the details, which are arguably what matter most, are vastly different between the two. Firstly, WSS is missing huge chunks of R&J’s story. For example, In R&J, the dance occurs at the end of the first act, but WSS starts at this point. Similarly, no parents ever appear on-screen, and Maria never has a funeral.
Next, their characters are undoubtedly different, even though they have similar roles. For example, Tony is much more mature than Romeo. Prior to the dance, both were absent from their respective factions, but Romeo’s absence was out of self-pity and Tony’s was
Next, their characters are undoubtedly different, even though they have similar roles. For example, Tony is much more mature than Romeo. Prior to the dance, both were absent from their respective factions, but Romeo’s absence was out of self-pity and Tony’s was