What is the message behind West Side Story?
The hope of the end of the movie (as in the Shakespeare play that it is inspired by) is that the tragic death of the lover gives both sides the chance to realize how wrong they have been and perhaps a hope that they will learn to understand each other and work together.
What was Robbins’s original concept for 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 …
What did Bernstein do in West Side Story?
Along with his operetta Candide, Bernstein wrote West Side Story around the same time as he was appointed music director of the New York Philharmonic, a particularly fruitful time for him as both composer and conductor.
Why is West Side Story so important?
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. In its original Broadway run, West Side Story ran for 732 performances—a success, but not a smash hit.
What happens at the dance between Maria and Tony?
During the dance, Maria and Tony meet, fall in love at first sight, and dance. Bernardo catches Maria and Tony in a kiss. Angry, he separates the two and calls for a “rumble.” Tony leaves the dance dreaming about Maria.
What is the conflict in West Side Story?
The Conflict in West Side Story is the rivalry between the two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the developing relationship between Tony of the Jets and Maria of the Sharks. This conflict ends up not being completely resolved. The two rival gangs agree to have a rumble to settle their dispute once and for all.
Who was the lyricist of West Side Story?
Stephen SondheimWest Side Story / Lyricist
What is controversial about West Side Story?
The Puerto Ricans had not been consulted by any of the show’s creators regarding their outsider status as Americans. WEST SIDE STORY was not well received by some in the Puerto Rican community. It was just a gaudy spectacle to them, demonstrating Puerto Ricans’ exclusion from mainstream American society.
How did Leonard Bernstein feel about West Side Story?
The daughter of composer Leonard Bernstein has said the musician never liked the 1961 film version of West Side Story and said the hit musical became ‘an albatross around his neck’. The show was inspired by Romeo and Juliet and features warring gangs the Jets and the Sharks.
Did Bernstein orchestrate West Side Story?
He also composed two ballets, Fancy Free and Facsimile, both with choreography by Jerome Robbins, who would later direct and choreograph West Side Story.
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. The whole conflict between the warring gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, is set up in the opening, through choreography.
Why did Maria forgive Tony?
Instead of choosing to hate Tony, she understands that there was always going to be a death, and what happened to Bernardo was a tragic result of a deathly feud. Maria forgives Tony in West Side Story so as not to continue the cycle of pain.
What are the characters in West Side Story?
– Riff, leader of the Jets – Bernardo, leader of the Sharks – Maria, Bernardo’s little sister – Tony, a founder of the Jets – Doc, owner of Doc’s store/Tony’s boss – Anita, Bernardo’s girlfriend – Ice, one of the toughest Jets – Lt. Shrank, police officer – Officer Krupke, police officer
What is the summary of West Side Story?
Tony (Jake David Smith) and Maria (Lauren Maria Medina) declare their love for each other as they sing “Tonight” during the iconic balcony scene in “West Side Story” at the Marriott
What is Tony last name in West Side Story?
Tony (Richard Beymer) is the lead male character in West Side Story. His character is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo, who falls in love with Juliet during their first encounter. Did Tony and Maria get married?
When did West Side Story come out?
“West Side Story” from 1961, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, first adapted the Broadway musical from 1957 and is one of those film musicals that is firmly anchored in American pop culture. Not only was it a box office hit, but it also won ten Academy Awards.