“West Side Story: the original creative team. Sondheim, Laurents, Prince, Bernstein, Robbins and Griffith (seated) (Photofest)”

Leonard Bernstein’s personal annotated copy of “Romeo and Juliet.” He made several notes for adapting Shakespeare’s play into a contemporary musical.

Leonard Bernstein composing

Leonard Bernstein, who was born on August 25, 1918, was “the greatest pianist among the conductors, the greatest conductor among composers, the greatest composer among pianists,” Arthur Rubinstein (one of the greatest pianists among pianists) once said, which sounds like a backhanded compliment until Rubinstein added “He is a universal genius.” The breadth of his talents was extraordinary, his achievements wide-ranging: Director of the New York City Symphony from the age of 27, a beloved teacher of classical music to children on TV, he recorded more than 800 albums.

Bernstein, who would have celebrated his centennial today (he died in 1990 at the age of 72), was also one of the greatest figures in Broadway musical theater.

If he was not as prolific nor as focused on theater as many of the other greats, his achievements went beyond just the musical for which he’s best known, West Side Story.

Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood in 1961 film of West Side Story

Chita Rivera in the 1957 production of West Side Story

Rosalind Russell and Edith Adams in Wonderful Town, 1953. Sketched by Al Hirschfeld

1956 Candide with Barbara Cook

The 2014 revival of On The town, featuring clyde Avles, Tony Yazbeck and Jay Armstrong Johnson

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, 1976 sketched by Al Hirschfeld

Candide
On The Town
Wonderful Town
Peter Pan
All In One
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (which ran seven performances on Broadway)