What was the original concept for the musical West Side Story?
The original idea for “West Side Story” dates back to 1949 when Jerome Robbins conceived of a musical update of “Romeo & Juliet.” Originally set on the New York’s East Side, and conceived as a societal war between Jews and Gentiles, “West Side Story” eventually morphed into a tale of two street gangs, the mostly Puerto …
Was West Side Story a musical or movie first?
West Side Story opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on 26 September 1957, and on the West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre on 12 December 1958. On the West End, was performed 1,039 times. It won two Tony Awards. The musical was adapted to a movie in 1961, starring Natalie Wood.
Why is West Side Story so important to musical Theatre?
West Side Story is an important artistic accomplishment and is responsible for some significant changes in the concept of the filmed musical. It is significant because of its melding of jazz, avant-garde, Broadway, and Latin-American musical styles, predating the fusion movement by ten years.
When did West Side Story become a musical?
On September 26, 1957, West Side Story, composed by Leonard Bernstein, opens at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. For the groundbreaking musical, Bernstein provided a propulsive and rhapsodic score that many celebrate as his greatest achievement as a composer.
What is the main theme of West Side Story?
West Side Story is a classic American musical that is loosely based on Romeo and Juliet. Like its source material, the show explores the theme of youth violence, as well as racial tensions in contemporary America.
How old are they in West Side Story?
Ultimately, some of the cast were teenagers, some were 21, some were 30 but looked 16.
What was the point of West Side Story?
The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang.
Why was West Side Story innovative?
Narrative dances had appeared in musicals for many years, but the bold innovation of West Side Story is that it uses dance to tell most of the story. This powerful way of moving had been developed in two previous Robbins/Bernstein collaborations: the ballet, Fancy Free , and the musical they made from it, On The Town.
Who did the original West Side Story?
Jerome Robbins
West Side Story is a 1961 American musical romantic drama film directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins.
Who wrote music West Side Story?
Stephen Sondheim
West Side Story/Lyricists