Casting
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Cast Size: Medium (11 to 20 performers)
Cast Type: Ensemble Cast
Dance Requirements: Heavy
Character Breakdown
Riff
A spritely, quick-tempered leader. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang's dominance. Tony's best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Tony
A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets, he has found a new lifestyle now. Tony finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Falls in love to Maria and meets an untimely death. Genuinely sweet and sincere.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Bernardo
A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for he and his friends. Maria's brother and Anita's boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Maria
A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. She falls in love with Tony and finds herself at the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo's sister. Puerto Rican.
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 21
Vocal range top: C6
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Anita
Feisty and assertive. She dispenses "older sister" advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo's girlfriend and Maria's friend. Puerto Rican.
Gender: female
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Chino
An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 25
Anybodys
A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 25
Doc
The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.
Gender: male
Age: 60 to 75
Schrank
A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic.
Gender: male
Age: 40 to 55
Krupke
The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs conflict and tries to keep tensions from errupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 60
Ensemble
Jets, Sharks, Jets Girls, Sharks Girls