Image courtesy Mirisch-7 Arts/United Artists/The Kobal Collection.

On August 28, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera will present a free outdoor screening of Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise’s Academy Award-winning film West Side Story on Lincoln Center Plaza, in the very neighborhood where the timeless musical takes place. The screening will kick off the Met Opera’s popular Summer HD Festival.

This variation on Romeo and Juliet stars Natalie Wood as good girl Maria (dubbed vocally by Marni Nixon), who falls in love with handsome Tony (Richard Beymer), who happens to be the leader of the gang facing off against the faction led by Maria’s brother. Rita Moreno and George Chakiris complete the principal cast and both won supporting Oscars for their roles.

The real star of the show, though, is the music. Leonard Bernstein’s brilliant score paired with Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics makes for one of the most dazzling soundtracks in musical history. From “Maria” to “Tonight” and “America” to “Somewhere,” West Side Story features one unforgettable tune after another, along with dazzling choreography. So come join us as we relive the magic of this New York romance on an evening you won’t soon forget!

The screening will take place August 28 at 7:45pm on Lincoln Center Plaza, in front of the opera house. It is free and open to the public and seating is first-come, first-served.