Casting

Riff is the leader of the Jets. He is full of life – he thrives as the center of attention and drives much of the action in the story. Though Riff is impulsive and brash, he is also intelligent, cares about the other Jets, and tries hard to be a good leader. Riff also has a wise-guy sense of humor, and brings levity to the dire conflicts between the two gangs. Cast an excellent actor with great comic timing who can sing, dance, and command the stage in this crucial role. 

Diesel is Riff’s lieutenant. He is big, slow, steady, and nice. Cast an actor in this role who is a solid singer and dancer with good stage presence.

Baby John is the youngest Jet. He is in awe of everything and desperately wants to impress the other Jets. It’s best if Baby John reads as younger than the other gang members onstage. 

A-Rab is smaller in stature and takes nothing seriously – until something offends him, and then his anger is explosive. He’s right in the thick of the Jets’ hijinks.

Action is the most violent of the Jets. A catlike ball of fury, he is always ready for a fight.

Big Deal is a bespectacled, self-styled expert on everything. 

Snowboy and Geetar are members of the jets. 

Anybodys is a spunky tomboy who wants to be accepted into the Jets as a member. 

Tony is a former Jet and a romantic at heart. Though he still loves the Jets and his best friend Riff, he quit the gang and got a job, determined to have a future. Tony falls in love with Maria and dreams of their future together despite their places on opposite sides of the Jets/Sharks conflict. Tragically, instead of running away with Maria, Tony is killed. Cast a wonderful tenor and expressive actor in this heartbreaking role. 

The Jet Girls are ladies who support the Jets. Cast as many performers in this ensemble as is appropriate for your production. 

Velma is Riff’s girlfriend. She is slinky, slithery, and completely caught up in the glamor of being a Jet Girl. She should be a great dancer.

Graziella is Diesel’s girlfriend. She is very confident, a bit headstrong, and should be a great dancer.

Bernardo is the leader of the Sharks. He is handsome, proud, confident, and has a chip on his shoulder. Bernardo takes his position very seriously and feels responsible for helping the Sharks carve out their place in New York City. He also cares deeply for his fellow Sharks, especially his fiery girlfriend Anita and his sweet sister Maria. Cast a fantastic actor who sings well and experienced dancer in this role.

Chino is shy, gentle, and sweet-faced – and the person Bernardo wants to marry his sister. Though Chino begins the story with a measure of naiveté, he is quickly caught up in the anger and hatred of the conflict between the rival gangs. Cast a good singer and actor in this role.

Pepe is Bernardo’s lieutenant. He is proud, strong, and ready to fight. Cast an actor in this role who is a good dancer with a good stage presence.

Indio is a member of the Sharks.

The Shark Girls are ladies who support the Sharks. Cast as many performers in this ensemble as is appropriate for your production.

ANITA is Maria’s friend and Bernardo’s girlfriend. She is strong and world-wise, with a sharp tongue and a flashy style. She deeply loves Bernardo and Maria, and tries to shield Maria from the harsh truths of the world. Cast a confident actress and fantastic singer and dancer in this iconic role.

Maria is young, innocent, and optimistic about her life in America, but has an inner strength that shines painfully through by the end of the show. Maria falls instantly, completely in love with Tony – but as Bernardo’s younger sister, Tony is one of the worst people for whom she could have developed feelings. Maria’s journey is one of the most significant in the show. Cast a brilliant actress and dancer with a beautiful soprano singing voice who can embody Maria’s vulnerability and strength.

Consuela is tough, young, bleached blonde, and brash. She is Pepe's girfriend. 

Rosalia is younger and more demure than Consuela. She is Indio’s girlfriend. 

Fransisca is one of the Shark Girls. She is young and quirky.

Schrank is a plainclothes police officer. He is strong and very comfortable in command. Schrank has a pleasant, charming manner that is at odds with his hatred and bigotry.

Officer Krupke is a goon-like beat cop. He is not very bright and often the butt of the joke.

Doc is the owner of the store where Tony works and the Jets often meet. Doc is old-fashioned, wise, and tired out, but he tries to guide the Jets through their troubles.

Glad Hand is a “square:” a smiling, overly cheerful, and utterly out of touch youth director at a gym.