STAGE PROPS

an unofficial compilation



with thanks to Paul, Marcy and Kw.




ACT ONE

    Scene One
  • Police whistle (Krupke)
    Scene Two
  • Ladder, paint can and paint rag (pre-set)
  • Paint brush (Tony or pre-set)
    Scene Three
  • Scissors, needle and thread, thimble (pre-set)
  • Purse (Anita)
    Scene Four
  • Clipboard (Glad Hand)
  • Coach's whistle (Glad Hand)
    Scene Six
  • "Superman" comic book (Baby John)
  • Deck of playing cards (pre-set)
  • Broom and dustpan (Doc; click for details.)
    Scene Seven
  • Purse (Anita)
  • Manniquins (pre-set, dressed as members of a wedding party, no fewer than two females and two males)
  • Top hat (removed from manniquin costume and worn by Tony)
  • Wedding veil (removed from manniquin costume and worn by Maria)
    Scene Eight
  • Brass knuckles, ropes, chains, etc. (most if not all members of both gangs are armed.)
  • 2 bricks (Anybodys)
    Scene Nine
  • 3 switchblade knives (Riff, Bernardo, and the Jet who replaces Riff's lost one)



ACT TWO
    Scene One
  • Hand mirror, comb, brush, etc (pre-set on vanity or dresser)
  • Rose in bud vase (pre-set)
  • Fashion magazine (Consuelo)
  • Revolver (pre-set, then removed by Chino)
  • 3 switchblade knives (Riff, Bernardo and Tony)
    Scene Two
  • Police whistle, night stick (Krupke)
    Scene Four
  • "Reading matter" (per dialogue, pre-set)
    Scene Five
  • Money roll (Doc)
    Scene Six
  • Revolver (Chino)
  • Handcuffs (Schrank)






Miscellaneous personal props








Return to FRABBAJABBA

HOME















The stage directions call for a gang member to be "sandbagged with a flour sack," an assault that was substituted in the film by cans of flowing paint. Richard Balin, who played Juano in the much-esteemed production at New York City Center in 1964, has this to offer: "[In] my recollection, it was a black sock filled with flour so it looked something like a blackjack...at the opening I hid behind a fence and had to jump out and bop the Jet on the head...naturally [the actor] knew I was coming so he began dodging me...and it became a game of “catch me if you can.” I missed more than hit and in finishing the swing would bang the sock on the scenery, emitting a cloud of white dust and marking up the set...finally the prop guy said he was tired of having to clean the wall before each show...could I be more accurate ...I couldn't but I managed to stop my empty swing before it hit the wall..."

[Return to entry]















Broom and dustpan While the Jets are waiting inside Doc's drugstore for the Sharks' arrival at the War Council, the general atmosphere of jittery anticipation is enhanced by the sight of several of the boys smoking cigarettes. Upon his entrance, Schrank also lights up, and, like the Jets, extinguishes the butt under his shoe. It is natural enough for Doc to sweep the floor before locking up for the night, but this unscripted business also offers a cursory assist to the sweep-up detail of the stage crew, who at this point have no access to the stage before intermission.

[Return to entry]















Religious medals The faith of Maria and Bernardo, to name two, has been manifested in the decor of Maria's room (a small shrine to Mary is required; some productions also include a crucifix on the wall) and by the quick prayer Bernardo offers just before the rumble begins. Whether they are considered props or part of the costume plot, religious medals can be provided to both of these characters: Maria might wear a small cross on a chain around her neck; a larger saint's medallion may or may not fall from inside Bernardo's shirt during the rumble. Though they may not even be seen by the majority of the audience, such items can nevertheless be useful to a performer both in developing a character and in projecting that character, even if only to other cast members.

[Return to entry]













Shawls Shawls are naturally the responsibility of the Costume Department but the role they play as props might be worth noting.

[Return to entry]