Six lessons for playwrights and screenwriters (and trial lawyers) I learned from West Side Story:
1. “Could it be? Yes, it could, Somethin's comin', somethin' good”: Grab your audience by the throat and don’t let go!
2. Keep it moving, the pace must be brisk.
3. Longing and desire are strong emotions.
4. The words and lyrics matter. Use irony.
5. When in doubt, there ain’t no substitute for a good song and dance.
6. As Shakespeare knew, there is power in a tragic ending.