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Quizzes > Movies

West Side Story trivia: test your knowledge

Quick, free West Side Story quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Przemek KojsUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut art of urban skyline dancers and floating musical notes on dark blue background for West Side Story quiz

This West Side Story quiz helps you test what you remember about the Jets, the Sharks, the songs, and the cast. Answer quick questions and see your score right away, then explore more musical fun with Broadway trivia, dive into movie musical trivia, or take a turn with Sound of Music trivia.

In what year was the original West Side Story film released?
1970
1957
1965
1961
West Side Story premiered in theaters in 1961 and quickly became a landmark musical film. It was co-directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. Its release year of 1961 is often cited when discussing its impact on cinema history.
West Side Story is based on which Shakespeare play?
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Hamlet
Much Ado About Nothing
Romeo and Juliet
The plot of West Side Story is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, transposed to 1950s New York City with rival street gangs. The themes of forbidden love and tragic conflict closely mirror Shakespeare's original. Many adaptations draw on this classic source.
Who co-directed the film version of West Side Story alongside Robert Wise?
Richard Rodgers
Leonard Bernstein
Stephen Sondheim
Jerome Robbins
Robert Wise co-directed West Side Story with Jerome Robbins, who had choreographed and directed the original Broadway production. Robbins' expertise in dance was crucial for the film's dynamic musical sequences. Leonard Bernstein composed the music, while Richard Rodgers and Sondheim were not directly involved in this film.
What are the names of the two rival gangs in West Side Story?
The Jets and The Kings
The Sharks and The Kings
The Jets and The Sharks
The Kings and The Royals
In West Side Story, the Jets and the Sharks are the two street gangs vying for control of the West Side neighborhood. The Jets are composed of white American youths while the Sharks are Puerto Rican immigrants. This rivalry drives the central conflict of the story.
Which song opens the West Side Story film?
Tonight
Maria
Something's Coming
Prologue
The film opens with the instrumental "Prologue," a musical overture that introduces the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks through dance. It sets a dramatic tone without any lyrics. This opening is one of the most celebrated dance sequences in musical cinema.
Who composed the music for the original West Side Story stage version?
Cole Porter
George Gershwin
Leonard Bernstein
Richard Rodgers
Leonard Bernstein composed the music for West Side Story, blending classical, jazz, and Latin influences. His score is widely regarded as one of the greatest in 20th-century musicals. The memorable melodies underpin the dramatic narrative.
Who wrote the lyrics for West Side Story?
Lorenz Hart
Alan Jay Lerner
Oscar Hammerstein II
Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim was the lyricist for West Side Story, marking one of his earliest major works. His poetic and expressive words helped shape the characters and themes of the musical. This collaboration launched his illustrious career.
Which character sings the song "Maria" in the film?
Bernardo
Riff
Maria
Tony
"Maria" is sung by Tony after he meets Maria and is overcome with love. The song showcases his romantic yearning and features a soaring melody. It is one of the most famous numbers in the musical.
Who created the original choreography for West Side Story's dance sequences?
Jerome Robbins
Bob Fosse
Gene Kelly
Agnes de Mille
Jerome Robbins choreographed the groundbreaking dance sequences in West Side Story, both on stage and on film. His fusion of ballet and urban movement revolutionized musical theatre. Robbins' work remains iconic in dance history.
Which actress played Anita in the 1961 film adaptation?
Chita Rivera
Natalie Wood
Annabella Sciorra
Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita. Her performance and rendition of "America" are considered highlights of the film. She remains one of the few artists to have won an EGOT.
Which song expresses a longing for a place free from violence in West Side Story?
America
Somewhere
Gee, Officer Krupke
I Feel Pretty
"Somewhere" is a ballad that envisions a peaceful sanctuary away from the tension between the gangs. It's one of the most poignant and hopeful moments in the musical. The song underscores the universal desire for harmony.
At the 1962 Academy Awards, West Side Story won which major prize?
Best Director
Best Score
Best Actor
Best Picture
West Side Story won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1962, triumphing over other major films that year. It also collected nine other Oscars, showcasing its critical acclaim. The film remains a touchstone for musical adaptations.
In which New York City neighborhood is West Side Story set?
Queens
Brooklyn
Harlem
Upper West Side
West Side Story is set on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, in an area transitioning due to urban development. The location is integral to the film's depiction of cultural clashes. Landmarks like Lincoln Center reflect this setting in the movie.
Which character sings the satirical song "America"?
Rosalia
Anita
Velma
Maria
Anita delivers "America" alongside other Puerto Rican women, celebrating and critiquing life in the United States. Rita Moreno's energetic performance made the number memorable. The song balances hopeful optimism with pointed social commentary.
Who dubbed Natalie Wood's singing voice for Maria in the film?
Lisa Kirk
Marni Nixon
Rita Moreno
Betty Wand
Marni Nixon provided the singing voice for Natalie Wood as Maria due to Wood feeling unprepared vocally. Nixon was an uncredited 'ghost singer' on several classic films. Her contributions are essential to Maria's iconic songs.
What is the name of the leader of the Jets gang?
Tony
Riff
Chino
Bernardo
Riff is the charismatic leader of the Jets, Tony's best friend, and he orchestrates the rumble with the Sharks. His leadership and loyalty drive much of the plot. The character's fate sets off the tragic climax.
In what year did West Side Story premiere on Broadway?
1957
1950
1961
1965
The original Broadway production of West Side Story opened in 1957 at the Winter Garden Theatre. It ran for 732 performances and received critical acclaim. This stage debut cemented its status in musical theatre history.
How many Academy Awards did West Side Story (1961) win?
8
12
5
10
West Side Story won 10 Academy Awards in 1962, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress. Its ten wins tied the record at that time for most Oscars earned by a single film. The sweep highlights its broad excellence.
Which song was notably shortened in the final cut of the film due to pacing concerns?
Cool
Somewhere
Gee, Officer Krupke
I Feel Pretty
Robert Wise chose to trim the "Gee, Officer Krupke" sequence to maintain the film's dramatic momentum. Although popular, the full stage version runs longer and was considered too playful for the cinematic climax. The shortened version still retains its satirical bite.
What dance style heavily influences the Sharks' choreography?
Ballet
Tap
Latin
Jazz
The Sharks' movements incorporate Latin dance elements such as mambo and cha-cha, reflecting the characters' Puerto Rican heritage. Jerome Robbins blended these styles with Broadway choreography to create authentic energy. This cultural infusion is key to the film's dance vocabulary.
Which actor portrayed Bernardo in the 1961 film?
Reuben Fuentes
Russ Tamblyn
George Chakiris
Tony Mordente
George Chakiris won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Bernardo, the Sharks' leader. His intense performance and dance prowess were widely praised. This role remains his signature achievement.
Which editing technique did Robert Wise employ to heighten the energy of the dance numbers?
Split screen
Long takes
Montage
Cross-cutting
Robert Wise used montage sequences to rapidly cut between dancers and angles, amplifying the intensity of group numbers like the Prologue. This approach keeps the pace brisk and visually dynamic. Montage became a hallmark of his directorial style in musicals.
The main theme of the song "Cool" is written in which musical mode?
Mixolydian
Dorian
Phrygian
Lydian
The melody of "Cool" is based on the Dorian mode, giving it a slightly minor yet hopeful quality that matches the song's tense narrative. Bernstein's use of modes adds subtle emotional layers to the score. The Dorian mode's characteristic raised sixth scale degree is evident throughout.
What was the original working title of West Side Story during its development?
Romeo Lives
Upper West Story
East Side Story
New York Hearts
Early in development, the project was referred to as "East Side Story" before settling on West Side Story to reflect the setting. This working title highlights the creators' initial concept before the final vision crystallized. Title changes are common in Broadway-to-film adaptations.
Which color film process was used to shoot the 1961 West Side Story?
Kodachrome
Cinecolor
Technicolor
Eastman Color
West Side Story was filmed using Eastman Color, a popular single-strip color process introduced by Kodak in the 1950s. It offered greater flexibility and lower cost than three-strip Technicolor. Eastman Color became an industry standard for many films of that era.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Signature Songs -

    By answering wise trivia questions, readers will recall and associate West Side Story quiz songs like "Maria" and "Tonight" with their most memorable lyrics and moments.

  2. Identify Major Characters -

    Through West Side Story trivia, participants will identify the members of the Jets and Sharks and understand their roles within the film's narrative.

  3. Understand Directorial Choices -

    Quiz-takers will understand key Robert Wise trivia by exploring his directing decisions and how they shaped the film's iconic musical film trivia scenes.

  4. Analyze Iconic Moments -

    Engaging with wise trivia questions will enable readers to analyze pivotal scenes and appreciate their dramatic and musical significance.

  5. Evaluate Cultural Impact -

    Through this West Side Story quiz, users will evaluate the film's themes of love, conflict, and social context within its 1950s setting.

  6. Apply Knowledge in Challenges -

    After testing their skills, participants will apply their musical film trivia mastery to challenge friends and compare quiz scores.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Robert Wise's Cinematic Innovation -

    Robert Wise redefined musical film trivia - wise trivia questions often focus on his 360° tracking shots and split screens to heighten dramatic tension in the Prologue (Source: American Film Institute). His work in West Side Story trivia quizzes will remind you of the mnemonic "Wise Wheels" for his signature rolling camera technique.

  2. Choreography as Narrative by Jerome Robbins -

    In many West Side Story trivia questions, Jerome Robbins's choreography stands out for using dance to advance the Jets vs. Sharks storyline rather than embellish scenes (Source: Lincoln Center Archives). Remember "DRifts" (Dance = Robbins, Flow + Story) to recall his narrative-driven moves during the "Dance at the Gym" sequence.

  3. Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim's Musical Fusion -

    West Side Story quiz enthusiasts often cite the marriage of Bernstein's symphonic motifs and Sondheim's lyrical prowess - especially the "Maria" leitmotif reinforcing character arcs (Source: Juilliard Journal). The contrasting 6/8 vs. 3/4 time signature in "America" uses a clear formula; use "M-L-F" (Maria-Leitmotif-Formula) to master this musical film trivia fact.

  4. Cinematography and Color Theory -

    West Side Story trivia commonly highlights how colored filters distinguish the Jets (cool blues) from the Sharks (warm reds), visually underscoring their rivalry (Source: British Film Institute). Recall "B-C-W" (Blue, Contrast, Wide) as your cheat code in musical film trivia for lens and color pairings.

  5. Thematic Adaptation & Cultural Impact -

    Robert Wise trivia buffs note the bold shift of Romeo and Juliet to 1950s NYC, addressing racial tension and urban challenges in West Side Story trivia discussions (Source: University of California Film Studies). Use "RAID" (Romeo, Adaptation, Impact, Debate) to remember its academic influence and debate over cultural representation.

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