Kūpuna Movie Mornings
West Side Story (1961)
SHOW DATE: November 17, 2026
Presented by Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation and Hawaii Theatre Center
Experience one of the most acclaimed movie musicals ever made when the original big screen version of West Side Story (1961) comes to the historic Hawaii Theatre on November 17. Winner of 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, this landmark film reimagines Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet amid the rival street gangs of 1950s New York City.
Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, West Side Story features breathtaking choreography, unforgettable performances, and a legendary score by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Beloved songs including “Maria,” “America,” “Tonight,” and “Somewhere” have made this timeless musical a cultural touchstone for generations.
Presented as part of the Kupuna Movie Mornings series, this special screening is your chance to experience the romance, drama, and dazzling dance numbers as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. Whether you’re rediscovering a favorite or introducing it to a new generation, West Side Story remains a powerful celebration of love, hope, and the enduring power of music.
What is Kūpuna Movie Morning?
The Hawaii Theatre and the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation are offering the community a film series to provide seniors and other cinema lovers an opportunity to enjoy a morning of camaraderie with coffee, snacks, and a classic movie. Over the course of the year, we’ll present this series and offer tickets on a “pay what you can” basis. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. so patrons can enjoy complimentary pastries and coffee from Pōʻai by Pono Potions. Showtime is 11:30 AM.