... , 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 one of the main driving forces that maintains the integrity of Shakespeare's works and keeps them modern and mainstream; and in some instancesactually improve them. Romeo and Juliet is a love story that expresses how powerful love can actually be ... . However, West Side Story exclaims all of this and more. West Side has served as a driving force since back in the late 1950's against gang violence. West Side Story ...

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