Maria in West Side Story - Race?

Question:Hey. I'm thinking about musicals my school could do next year. I was thinking West Side Story since the actual plot is awesome and so is the music. The only problem is that the girls we have who are good enough for a lead aren't hispanic looking (unfortunately my school isn't very diverse :[ ) - does Maria NEED to be able to pass as a Puerto Rican - like is that essential to the plot? Because I know that Once on This Island can be done with a white Ti Moune and it just changes the story the tiniest bit. What do you think?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hey. I'm thinking about musicals my school could do next year. I was thinking West Side Story since the actual plot is awesome and so is the music. The only problem is that the girls we have who are good enough for a lead aren't hispanic looking (unfortunately my school isn't very diverse :[ ) - does Maria NEED to be able to pass as a Puerto Rican - like is that essential to the plot? Because I know that Once on This Island can be done with a white Ti Moune and it just changes the story the tiniest bit. What do you think?

My professor always says that race is never an issue unless it's an important part of the play. This musical is kind of borderline because part of the conflict is the fact that the Puerto Ricans are struggling in America. It's not an important part because the main conflict centers around Tony and Maria, however. As long as you establish to the audience those people who are supposed to be Latino and people who are supposed to be caucasian, it should be okay. I would just suggest the people playing Latino parts just dye their hair black (and maybe their eyebrows, too) or wear wigs. They don't really have to be all that tan, but if you want to, go for it. Just make sure that people won't get offended by the makeup (people can be a little sensitive about that).

Another thing to consider is that nowadays there are plenty of Puerto Ricans out there who look "white." Maybe just having the actors use accents will be enough. Either way, good luck!

our school did west side story too! and no, they dont have to look hispanic but the people in the play at my school put makeup on, some even put wigs and bronzer.

i dont think that it would totally throw off the plot but slightly, perhaps. i think just adding a little color to their face with makeup is good...

There are ways around that...it's called makeup. Natilie Woods isn't hispanic yet she played Maria in the movie.

All the blondes go brunette for the show. End of dilemma. They're on stage, not in closeup.