The story is set in the Upper West Side neighborhood in New York City in the mid 1950s, an ethnic, blue - collar neighborhood (in the early 1960s, much of the neighborhood was cleared in an urban renewal project for the Lincoln Center, which changed the neighborhood 's character). The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang 's leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Bernstein 's score for the musical includes "Something 's Coming '', "Maria '', "America '', "Somewhere '', "Tonight '', "Jet Song '', "I Feel Pretty '', "A Boy Like That '', "One Hand, One Heart '', "Gee, Officer Krupke '', and "Cool ''.
who falls in love in west side story
Tony Maria Maria