<P> There were problems with Oliver Smith's designs . His painted backdrops were stunning, but the sets were, for the most part, either shabby looking or too stylized . Prince refused to spend money on new construction, and Smith was obliged to improve what he had as best he could with very little money to do it . The pre-Broadway run in Washington, D.C. was a critical and commercial success, although none of the reviews mentioned Sondheim, listed as co-lyricist, who was overshadowed by the better - known Bernstein . Bernstein magnanimously removed his name as co-author of the lyrics, although Sondheim was uncertain he wanted to receive sole credit for what he considered to be overly florid contributions by Bernstein . Robbins demanded and received a "Conceived by" credit, and used it to justify his making major decisions regarding changes in the show without consulting the others . As a result, by opening night on Broadway, none of his collaborators were talking to him . </P> <P> It has been rumored that while Bernstein was off trying to fix the musical Candide, Sondheim wrote some of the music for West Side Story, and that Bernstein's co-lyricist billing mysteriously disappeared from the credits of West Side Story during the tryout, presumably as a trade - off . However, Suskin writes in Show Tunes that "As the writing progressed and the extent of Bernstein's lyric contributions became less, the composer agreed to rescind his credit...Contrary to rumor, Sondheim did not write music for the show; his only contribution came on "Something's Coming", where he developed the main strain of the chorus from music Bernstein wrote for the verse .) </P> <P> Two rival teenage gangs, the Jets (White Americans) and the Sharks (Puerto Rican Americans), struggle for control of their neighborhood on the Upper West Side of New York City (Prologue). They are warned by police officers Krupke and Lt. Schrank to stop fighting on their beat . The police chase the Sharks off, and then the Jets plan how they can assure their continued dominance of the street . The Jets' leader, Riff, suggests setting up a rumble with the Sharks . He plans to make the challenge to Bernardo, the Sharks' leader, that night at the neighborhood dance . Riff wants to convince his friend and former member of the Jets, Tony, to meet the Jets at the dance . Some of the Jets are unsure of his loyalty, but Riff is adamant that Tony is still one of them ("Jet Song"). Riff meets Tony while he's working at Doc's Drugstore to persuade him to come . Tony initially refuses, but Riff wins him over . Tony is convinced that something important is round the corner ("Something's Coming"). </P> <P> Maria works in a bridal shop with Anita, the girlfriend of her brother, Bernardo . Maria has just arrived from Puerto Rico for her arranged marriage to Chino, a friend of Bernardo's . Maria confesses to Anita that she is not in love with Chino . Anita makes Maria a dress to wear to the neighborhood dance . </P>

Where did tony work in west side story