Music Drama/Films/Musicals
West Side Story is a musical with a book written by Arthur Lautents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and conception and choreography by Jerome Robbins. It was inspired by William Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet. The story focuses on social problems and marked a
turning point in American musical theatre.
The story is set in the Upper West Side in New York City in the mid-1950s, in an ethnic, blue-collar neighbourhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of of different ethnic backgrounds. The members Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of Riff, the gang's leader, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes.
Bernstein's score for the musical includes "Something's Coming,: "Maria," "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight," "Jet Song," "I Feel Pretty," "A Boy Like That," "One Hand, One Heart," "Gee, Officer Krupke," and "Cool."
Version conducted by Bernstein himself, published on January 5, 2012. Performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The Symphony Hall, Osaka, 1985.
West Side Story is a musical with a book written by Arthur Lautents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and conception and choreography by Jerome Robbins. It was inspired by William Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet. The story focuses on social problems and marked a
turning point in American musical theatre. The story is set in the Upper West Side in New York City in the mid-1950s, in an ethnic, blue-collar neighbourhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of of different ethnic backgrounds. The members Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of Riff, the gang's leader, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes.
Bernstein's score for the musical includes "Something's Coming,: "Maria," "America," "Somewhere," "Tonight," "Jet Song," "I Feel Pretty," "A Boy Like That," "One Hand, One Heart," "Gee, Officer Krupke," and "Cool."
Version conducted by Bernstein himself, published on January 5, 2012. Performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The Symphony Hall, Osaka, 1985.
Version conducted by Dudamel. SBYOV, BBC Proms 2007
The original 1957 Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins and produced by Robert E. Griffith and Harold Prince, marked the Broadway debut of Sondheim, and running for 732 performances before going on tour. The production was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical in 1957. Robbins won the Tony Award for his choreography and Oliver Smith won for his scenic designs. The show had an even longer-running London production, a number of revivals and international productions. A 1961 musical film of the same name, directed by Robert Wise and Robbins, starred Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won ten, including Best Picture, George Chakiris for Supporting Actor, and Rita Moreno for Supporting Actress.
Related Video:
West Side Story - Prologue - Official Full Number - 50th Anniversary (HD). YouTube, uploaded by DanceOn. Accessed August 8, 2015.
West Side Story- Full Show- McCallum Fine Arts Academy. YouTube, uploaded by MacTheatre MFAA. Accessed August 8, 2015.
West Side Story (1961 Film) - One Hand, One Heart. YouTube, uploaded by GedrekDi. Accessed August 8, 2015.
Video (Symphonic):
Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Youtube, uploaded by karaberu. Accessed August 19, 2012.
Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Stories / Dudamel . SBYOV . BBC Proms 2007. Youtube, uploaded by Josep489. Accessed August 19, 2011.
Image Credit:
West Side Story. en.wikipedia.org (Fair Use)
Resources:
The Official West Side Story Website. Latest access: August 19, 2017
West Side Story. en.wikipedia.org.
(c) August 2008. Updated August 8, 2009. Tel. Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved.
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