As the fight between Bernardo and Diesel begins, Tony arrives and tries to stop it. Bernardo taunts Tony, ridiculing his attempt to make peace, and pushing him. Riff comes to Tony's defense, punching Bernardo. When the two leaders draw their switchblades, Tony tries to intervene, but he inadvertently allows Riff to be fatally stabbed by Bernardo. Tony then kills Bernardo in a fit of rage.
Blissfully unaware of the tragedy, Maria gushes to her friends about her wedding night ("I Feel Pretty") until Chino arrives with news of Bernardo's death. She refuses to believe it, but Tony arrives and confesses, offering to turn himself in. She begs him to stay, and they make plans to run away together.
The Jets, who have congregated at Doc's, taunt Anita with racist slurs and try to rape her. Doc arrives just in time to stop them, but Anita is furious and spitefully delivers the wrong message, telling the Jets that Chino has shot Maria dead.
West Side Story marked Sondheim's Broadway debut.
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