<P> After tryouts in Washington , D.C. and Philadelphia beginning in August 1957 , the original Broadway production opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on September 26 , 1957 to positive reviews . The production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins , produced by Robert E. Griffith and Harold Prince with lighting designed by Jean Rosenthal . The cast starred Larry Kert as Tony , Carol Lawrence as Maria , Chita Rivera as Anita and David Winters as Baby John . The other notable cast members in the original production were : Riff : Michael Callan , A-Rab : Tony Mordente , Big Deal : Martin Charnin , Gee - Tar : Tommy Abbott , Chino : Jamie Sanchez , Rosalia : Marilyn Cooper , Consuela ( sic ) : Reri Grist and Doc : Art Smith . The production closed on June 27 , 1959 , after 732 performances . Robbins won the Tony Award for Best Choreographer , and Oliver Smith won the Tony for Best Scenic Designer . Also nominated were Carol Lawrence , as Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical , Max Goberman as Best Musical Director and Conductor , and Irene Sharaff for Best Costume Design . Carol Lawrence received the 1958 Theatre World Award . </P>
<P> After tryouts in Washington , D.C. and Philadelphia beginning in August 1957 , the original Broadway production opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on September 26 , 1957 to positive reviews . The production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins , produced by Robert E. Griffith and Harold Prince with lighting designed by Jean Rosenthal . The cast starred Larry Kert as Tony , Carol Lawrence as Maria , Chita Rivera as Anita and David Winters as Baby John . The other notable cast members in the original production were : Riff : Michael Callan , A-Rab : Tony Mordente , Big Deal : Martin Charnin , Gee - Tar : Tommy Abbott , Chino : Jamie Sanchez , Rosalia : Marilyn Cooper , Consuela ( sic ) : Reri Grist and Doc : Art Smith . The production closed on June 27 , 1959 , after 732 performances . Robbins won the Tony Award for Best Choreographer , and Oliver Smith won the Tony for Best Scenic Designer . Also nominated were Carol Lawrence , as Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical , Max Goberman as Best Musical Director and Conductor , and Irene Sharaff for Best Costume Design . Carol Lawrence received the 1958 Theatre World Award . </P>
where was west side story initially performed before its broadway premiere
where was west side story initially performed before its broadway premiere
Washington , D.C. Philadelphia
Washington , D.C. Philadelphia