... the popular musical, one would begin to realize that the production is actually an operatic form of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The two houses that are "both alike in dignity" are (in West Side) actually two opposing street gangs known as the Sharks ... and the Jets. As previously stated, non-theatre-goers were influenced to this modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet by way of film. Besides actual Shakespearean actors, it can be argued that Stephen Sondheim is ... music and lyrics. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. It opened in 1962 and ran for 964 performances. The b...

• Word Count: 1723
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School