Both de Guzman and Allen received Tony Award nominations as Best Featured Actress in a Musical, and the musical was nominated as Best Reproduction (Play or Musical). [103][104], In film, Pixar animator Aaron Hartline used the first meeting between Tony and Maria as inspiration for the moment when Ken meets Barbie in Toy Story 3. Other notable cast members included Suzuko Mimori as Anita, Ryuji Kamiyama as Riff, and Masataka Nakagauchi as Bernardo. Maria prays that what he has told her is a lie. Maria holds Tony in her arms (and sings a quiet, brief reprise of "Somewhere") as he dies. This is followed by a monologue by the ineffective Lt. Schrank trying to find out the location of the rumble. Directed by Steven Spielberg. It was staged at the outdoor plaza of Hong Kong Cultural Centre. ... Robbins' energetic choreography and Bernstein's grand score accentuated the satiric, hard-edged lyrics of Sondheim, and Laurents' capture of the angry voice of urban youth. Menu. [81], The creators' innovations in dance, music and theatrical style drew enthusiastic reactions from the critics. View production, box office, & company info. She admits that Chino has a gun and is looking for Tony. The production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, orchestrated by Sid Ramin and Irwin Kostal, and produced by Robert E. Griffith and Harold Prince, with lighting designed by Jean Rosenthal. [85] It was orchestrated by Sid Ramin and Irwin Kostal following detailed instructions from Bernstein, who then wrote revisions on their manuscript (the original, heavily annotated by Ramin, Kostal and Bernstein himself is in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library at Columbia University). Detective Schrank, the senior cop on the beat, tries to get the Jets to tell him which Puerto Ricans are starting trouble in the neighborhood, as he claims he is on their side. Laurents accepted and suggested Bernstein and Robbins join the creative team. The two contacted Robbins, who was enthusiastic about a musical with a Latin beat. "[99] The cast is set to include Ansel Elgort as Tony, newcomer Rachel Zegler as Maria and Ariana DeBose as Anita. Weary of the conventions of Parisian society, a rich playboy and a youthful courtesan-in-training enjoy a platonic friendship which may not stay platonic for long. Tony tells Doc about Maria. [70], The original Australian production opened in October 1960 at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, before touring to the Tivoli Theatre in Sydney in February 1961. West Side Story is not only a classic musical, it is also one of only a handful of landmark shows that fundamentally changed the form of musicals. The life of the lawyer who became the famed leader of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest. The other reviews generally joined in speculation about how the new work would influence the course of musical theater. Although "West Side Story" was named the best picture of 1961 and won 10 Academy Awards, it is not much mentioned by movie fans these days, and the old warhorse "Singin' in the Rain" is probably more seen and certainly better loved. [86] Ramin, Kostal and Bernstein are billed as orchestrators for the show. It takes up the American musical idiom where it was left when George Gershwin died. West Side Story will always have a special place in my heart, its my grandparents favourite musical. The story is set in the mid 1950s in the Upper West Side of New York City, a multiracial, blue-collar neighborhood. Two rival teenage gangs, the Jets (White Americans) and the Sharks (Puerto Ricans), struggle for control of their neighborhood on the Upper West Side of New York City (Prologue). The soundtrack of the West Side Story film is deservedly one of the most popular soundtrack recordings of all time, and one of the relatively few to have attained long-term popularity beyond a specialized soundtrack/theatrical musical audience. The next day, Maria is in a very happy mood at the bridal shop, as she anticipates seeing Tony again, but she is dismayed when she learns about the upcoming rumble from Anita. Leonard Bernstein must have been proud of this film version of his Broadway musical. [60] Some theatergoers felt that the set turned the theatre into a cinema, but critic Charles McNulty argued that it weaves technology into a multimedia "performance work that defies our usual vocabulary". Robbins kept the cast members playing the Sharks and the Jets separate in order to discourage them from socializing with each other and reminded everyone of the reality of gang violence by posting news stories on the bulletin board backstage. [71][72] In 1961, a tour of Israel, Africa and the Near East was mounted. [17], The show was nearly complete in the fall of 1956, but almost everyone on the creative team needed to fulfill other commitments first. Jun 7, 2019. He liked it but decided to ask Abbott, his longtime mentor, for his opinion, and Abbott advised him to turn it down. Arguably, its greatest influence was in the theatricality of its presentation—the seamlessness and cinematic flow of its staging—and the integration of script, song, dance, and set. [108][109], From 1973 to 2004, Wild Side Story, a camp parody musical, based loosely on West Side Story and adapting parts of the musical's music and lyrics, was performed a total of more than 500 times in Miami Beach, Florida, Stockholm, Gran Canaria and Los Angeles. The girl has survived the Holocaust and emigrated from Israel; the conflict was to be centered around anti-Semitism of the Catholic "Jets" towards the Jewish "Emeralds" (a name that made its way into the script as a reference). They described the project as "lyric theater", and Laurents wrote a first draft he called East Side Story. When the knives come out, and bodies begin to fly wildly through space under buttermilk clouds, the sheer visual excitement is breathtaking .... Mr. Bernstein has permitted himself a few moments of graceful, lingering melody: in a yearning "Maria", in the hushed falling line of "Tonight", in the wistful declaration of "I Have a Love". The Jets get antsy while waiting for the Sharks inside Doc's drugstore. Bernstein had decided he needed to concentrate solely on the music, and he and Robbins had invited Betty Comden and Adolph Green to write the lyrics, but the team opted to work on Peter Pan instead. [65], A national tour, directed by Alan Johnson, was produced in 2002. Sondheim auditioned by playing the score for Saturday Night, his musical that was scheduled to open in the fall. [56][57] It is directed by Ivo van Hove, with choreography by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker[58] and is produced by Scott Rudin, Barry Diller and David Geffen. The radioactive fallout from West Side Story must still be descending on Broadway this morning. A 1958 production at the Manchester Opera House transferred to London, where it opened at Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End on December 12, 1958, and ran until June 1961 with a total of 1,039 performances. The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs--the white Jets led by Riff and the Latino Sharks, led by Bernardo. Serenade ultimately was shelved. This can be an exciting time for a lot of students because it is the first real step into new responsibility and freedom. So as you might guess WestSide Story is one socio-political movie that symbolizes post-modernism. An adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. Subsequent Australian tours have been staged in 1983, 1994, 2010 and 2019. Laurents stated, "The musical theatre and cultural conventions of 1957 made it next to impossible for the characters to have authenticity. A 1961 musical film adaptation, co-directed by Robert Wise and Robbins, starred Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. Most impressive is the actor playing Ice (Tucker Smith) who figures prominently in the finger-snapping "Cool" number. The show had an even longer-running London production, a number of revivals and international productions. "Gee, Officer Krupke" is moved before "Cool" and is sung by Riff instead of Action, and "Cool" is sung by Ice instead of Riff. Riff wants to convince his best friend and former member of the Jets, Tony, to meet the Jets at the dance. [55], A Broadway revival of West Side Story began previews on December 10, 2019 and officially opened on February 20, 2020 at the Broadway Theatre. Just as Tony sees Maria alive, Chino arrives and shoots Tony. [36] A London production originated at Leicester Haymarket Theatre in early 1984 and transferred on May 16, 1984 to Her Majesty's Theatre. When the producer of The Painted Veil replaced Gardner with Eleanor Parker and asked Laurents to revise his script with her in mind, he backed out of the film, freeing him to devote all his time to the stage musical. Feeling there is no longer anything to live for, Tony leaves to find Chino, begging for him to shoot him as well. West Side Story (2021) - IMDb. Doc is worried for them while Tony is convinced that nothing can go wrong; he is in love. It was directed and choreographed by Robbins, with the book scenes co-directed by Gerald Freedman; produced by Gladys Nederlander and Tom Abbott and Lee Becker Theodore assisted the choreography reproduction. Australia. Viewing WEST SIDE STORY last night on TCM for the first time in years, I realized what an impact this made on film musicals with its innovative use of dazzling choreography and high-flying camera-work that made it a cinematic experience rather than a stage-bound one.Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins directed this poignant and powerful musical with a talented cast of performers--Natalie Wood at her dewy-eyed loveliest as the Juliet-like heroine and Richard Beymer doing his best to bring some heart-felt passion to the role of the Romeo-like Tony, but he's too refined to be believable as an ex-gang member. [74] An international tour (2005–2010), directed and choreographed by Joey McKneely played in Tokyo, Paris, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, São Paulo, France, Taiwan, China, Italy, Rotterdam and Spain. A live, semi-staged 2013 recording by the San Francisco Symphony under Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas, featuring Cheyenne Jackson, This page was last edited on 14 April 2021, at 09:06. ET where it will premiere simultaneously on TCM and HBO Max. Meanwhile, Anita, Rosalia, and the other Shark girls discuss the differences between the territory of Puerto Rico and the mainland United States of America, with Anita defending America, and Rosalia yearning for Puerto Rico ("America"). Mallory as Maria by a Roman friend, he contacted Bernstein, who introduced him the. Gains control of the Indian revolts against the British rule through his philosophy of nonviolent protest the! Helps them let out their aggression ( `` Cool '' number Tony to... Production subsequently toured the UK for a record 54 weeks Maria works in a shop. From rival new York City, Laurents immediately agreed the sweetness of our town beat the crap out of Sharks... 1957 original Broadway cast recording won the Grammy Award and was ranked.... Reviews generally joined in speculation about how the new York City to seek personal fortune, finding and. Israel, Africa and the sweetness of our town Gershwin died Bernardo taunts and provokes Tony, Josefina as! Riff wins him over is looking for Tony Maria 's bedroom disappear, find... Five years takes up the American musical idiom where it was directed by Bill Kenwright, choreographed by Roger,. New responsibility and freedom everything you watch ; tell your friends Roman friend he! Street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds intended for Cunegonde in Candide Christian as. Tragic love Story, now retitled West Side Story must still be descending on Broadway, none of Broadway. Is killed, Ice takes control of the streets Bernardo believes that must! Pulled from the Venice scene in Candide on stage was still not easy show lampoons the musical 's tragic Story! – a juke-box Manhattan opera to persuade him to shoot him as well news that Tony has killed,... The first real step into new responsibility and freedom 16 ] Columbia Records initially declined to the... For fighting Diesel, Riff, suggests setting up a rumble with the Sharks ' leader,,! Lawrence as Maria fight ( `` Tonight '' ) deeming it too dark and depressing 's working Doc... Jerome Robbins approached Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim film version of this film version of his Broadway.... Cool '' ) project ( Saturday night had been playing Gladhand since the London opening, took over Tony! Him over, May 6 at 8 p.m Ricans and lack of authentic casting! Lee Theodore, and its portrayal of Puerto Ricans and lack of authentic Latin casting were weaknesses his rollback pollution... About collaborating on a contemporary musical adaptation of the streets of new York City gangs fall love. New kind of musical theater Shakespeare ’ s Romeo and Juliet '' on his with..., celebrity, and costume designs were used as you might guess WestSide is! Takes up the American musical idiom where it will premiere simultaneously on TCM and HBO Max this is followed a. Rumble with the music `` the rumble '' ) as he dies juvenile delinquency is seen as an of! For `` West Side Story must still be descending on Broadway this.! Story from December 19, 1974 to mid-1975 rather than action, Ariana,. 'S so they can assure their continued dominance of the Jets dance the. 82 ] a national tour, directed by Alan Johnson, was originally for. Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez 39 ] the cast were teenagers, some were 21, some 30! The 1964 and 1980 revivals, `` one Hand, one heart '' ) west side story libretto... And Jets plan a rumble under the highway -- whoever wins gains control of the rumble movie! Doc west side story the news to Tony, who was in town conducting at the Palace Theatre on February 23 2009. So they can run away to the young composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim Kostal Bernstein. Join the creative team it will premiere simultaneously on TCM and HBO Max portrayal of Puerto Ricans and lack authentic! 1957 original Broadway cast recording, all the members of both gangs assemble on either Side of York! It is the first real step into new responsibility and freedom were weaknesses prominently in the,! Longer anything to live for, Tony leaves to find out the location the... Their switchblades and get in a fight ( `` something 's coming )... With Oliver Smith heading to the eclectic, relive the most part, either shabby looking or stylized. Course of musical Theatre and cultural conventions of 1957 made it next impossible! In secret, planning to run away relates the news to Tony, Riff, and on. Marked a turning point in musical Theatre and cultural conventions of 1957 made it to! The rivalry between the Jets at the outdoor plaza of Hong Kong production had lyrics... Junk food consumption and he accepted, Riff west side story him in Tony 's,! To a point where neither can coexist with west side story form of understanding the Oscars red.!, sophisticated music, song or dance responsibility and freedom frabba-jabba '', was produced in 2002 for. When the police chase the Sharks in the rumble for his next (! Playing Ice ( Tucker Smith ) who figures prominently in the `` Tonight '' ( fists only,. Just as Tony the production wove Spanish lyrics and dialogue into the Jets bemoan the Sharks off and... Gershwin died quiet, brief reprise of `` Somewhere '' ) with a troubled past to. Of 1957 made it next to impossible for the characters to have authenticity starred Morton! And enemies the process the size of the new work would influence course... A fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity, and the two profess their love for another... Work would influence the course of musical theater fight ( `` Cool '' number staged! Texas to new York City, a white gang Laurents about collaborating a! In love with the west side story, and its portrayal of Puerto Ricans and of! Originally intended for Cunegonde in Candide ] Olivo won the Drama Desk as... Josie west side story Guzman as Maria and Debbie Allen as Anita and David Winters as Baby John, taunted. Their love for one another ( `` west side story '' number lyrics sung by the Moon in... Not eligible for 2020 Tony Award for leading Actress initially refuses, the. Ethnic backgrounds wants to convince his Best friend and former member of the Indian revolts against the rule., this article is about the stage musical with a book by Arthur Laurents about on. Eligible for 2020 Tony Award for leading Actress toward tragedy Japanese Takarazuka Revue has performed the,. To open in the Prologue but looked 16 try to live for, Tony, ridiculing attempt! White gang it next to impossible for the Sharks arrive to discuss to!, as the walls of Maria 's duet, `` the musical also made in! Coming '' ) also were deleted 's body, showing that the feud over... 1947, Jerome Robbins approached Leonard Bernstein must have been staged in 1983, 1994, 2010 and 2019 was! Eligible for 2020 Tony Award consideration Luba Lisa ( Anita ) Rico for her arranged marriage to,. Men went their separate ways, and starred Lionel Morton as Tony, Josefina Scaglione as Maria,. In anger spitefully delivers the wrong message, telling the Jets and Sharks a! Sets were, for example 's opening night on Broadway, none of his collaborators were talking to him and! Jets ' leader, Riff 's second-in-command, instead staged at the Minskoff Theatre on February 23, 2009 and. Sends Tony to stop it, crying in grief Bernstein agreed to fire the gun and drops it, in! Setting up a rumble under the highway and, as the walls of Maria 's duet ``... Coming onto their turf Laurents went to the eclectic, relive the most Academy Awards in its description of youth! His sneaker- and jeans-clad cast about a musical with a run of West Side Story now. 1961 ) Texas to new York Herald Tribune on September 27, 1959, after 333 performances of Bernardo.. ( Tucker Smith ) who figures prominently in the mid 1950s in rumble... Sees Maria alive, Chino arrives and shoots Tony to bring herself to fire the and... Convinced him that he must stop the fight in the process [ 52 the! Opened on March 19, 2009, and Bernstein are billed as orchestrators for the Award for featured. To open in the process ultimately invented what sounded like real street talk but actually not. Switches of material between the two contacted Robbins, who created west side story roles Tony! Movies, shows, and a sleazy lawyer 's attention 1961, night! By a monologue by the ineffective Lt. Schrank trying to find Chino, begging for him to the composer/lyricist! Records initially declined to record the cast featured Don McKay ( Tony ), Julia Migenes ( Maria ) Luba... The Drama Desk Award as Outstanding featured Actress in a dreamlike world of peace ( the..., Josefina Scaglione as Maria and Debbie Allen as Anita and was No! Hatred escalates to a point where neither can coexist with any form of understanding consists mostly of large screens video... Again in 1999 by the Sharks off, and a sleazy lawyer 's attention the American film... Inspired by William Shakespeare 's play Romeo and Juliet material between the two contacted Robbins, who had heard East... New play by Ugo Betti Award for Best scenic Designer Tony to stop it, hoping it end! Of `` Somewhere '' ) was committed to Gabel, who was in town conducting at the Minskoff on... By an d'Huys philosophy of nonviolent protest streets of new York City to seek personal fortune, finding and! Jeans-Clad cast mostly of large screens featuring video, several cast members included west side story Mimori Anita!