Directed by Bill Berry, the goal was to comment the viciousness of the West Side and relate it to contemporary racism and hatred in the world around us.  Initial inspirations were drawn not only from the period streets of New York City, but also from images of Israel’s incursion into Lebanon and the many other wars transpiring at the time. 

The set design was symbolic and emotional, with bold lines of bridges slashing through the stage; an act curtain made of real chain link fence; bombed-out, bulldozed building structures; and simple iconic scenic elements to create the interior scenes - such as religious statues in Maria’s bedroom, suspended dress forms in the dress shop, and a simple counter and fluorescent lights in Doc’s.