Character guide
Riff
from West Side Story
Riff is the leader of the Jets in West Side Story, the groundbreaking 1957 musical with music by Leonard Bernstein that reimagined Romeo and Juliet on the streets of New York.
- Show
- West Side Story
- Broadway premiere
- 1957
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Leonard Bernstein
Riff on stage vs screen
Broadway compared with the 1961 and 2021 films
The 1961 film takes Cool away from Riff. On stage, Riff leads the Jets in Jet Song and Cool, but the film moves Cool to after the rumble and gives it to Ice, who leads the Jets after Riff's death, while Riff, played by Russ Tamblyn, sings Gee, Officer Krupke instead, which on stage belongs to Action.
Michael Callan created Riff on Broadway in 1957. In the 2021 film, Mike Faist's Riff sings Cool with Tony, and Faist earned a BAFTA nomination. In every version Riff is stabbed to death by Bernardo during the rumble.
Who is Riff?
Riff leads the Jets, a gang of white working class teenagers locked in a turf war with the Puerto Rican Sharks. He is best friends with Tony, the show's tragic hero, and it is Riff's decision to challenge the Sharks to a rumble that sets the story's tragedy into motion. Riff embodies the restless energy and loyalty of his crew, someone who believes fiercely in protecting his turf and his friends even as tensions spiral out of control.
His presence anchors the first act, giving the Jets a clear voice and a sense of brotherhood before the violence of the rumble changes everything.
Riff's role in West Side Story
Riff is a supporting role, but a pivotal one, since his choices drive much of the plot forward. The part demands a performer with strong dance ability, since Riff is heavily featured in the show's athletic, jazz influenced choreography, along with the charisma to command a stage full of restless young men. It is a role built as much through movement as through song.
Audiences and performers are drawn to Riff because he captures the impulsiveness of youth: fierce loyalty, quick temper, and a code of honor that ultimately proves fatal. He is a reminder of how easily pride and tribalism can tip into tragedy.
Riff: frequently asked questions
What show is Riff from?
Riff is a character in West Side Story, which premiered on Broadway in 1957.
Is Riff a lead or supporting role?
Riff is a supporting role, though his actions as leader of the Jets are central to the plot.
Who wrote the music for West Side Story?
Leonard Bernstein composed the music, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
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