WEST SIDE STORY to Be Featured in Movie Theatres Nationwide, 11/9
By: Nicole Rosky Oct. 10, 2011
Bringing one of the most acclaimed works of musical drama ever captured back to movie theaters nationwide this fall, NCM Fathom and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) are presenting The West Side Story 50th Anniversary Event on Wednesday, November 9th at 7:00 pm local time. This unprecedented opportunity allows audiences to enjoy every sensational song and dazzling dance number in this cinematic masterpiece, which originally won a stunning 10 Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, in 1961. The West Side Story 50th Anniversary Event will open with an exciting new TCM original production featuring a discussion with Walter Mirisch of The Mirisch Company, which produced the classic; Oscar®-winning actor George Chakiris; and vocalist Marni Nixon, who served as Natalie Woods' voice double. TCM Host Robert Osborne moderates the discussion, which was taped at the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival in historic Hollywood.
"The West Side Story 50th Anniversary Event will give movie lovers around the country the opportunity to experience one of the greatest movie musicals of all time on the big screen through state-of-the-art digital projection"
"The West Side Story 50th Anniversary Event will give movie lovers around the country the opportunity to experience one of the greatest movie musicals of all time on the big screen through state-of-the-art digital projection," said Dennis Adamovich, senior vice president of brand and digital activation/general manager of festivals for TCM, TBS and TNT. "As an added bonus, moviegoers will also get to enjoy one of the many terrific panel discussions from the TCM Classic Film Festival. We're very excited to be partnering with NCM Fathom on this extraordinary event."
West Side Story is a modern adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet," retold as a story of New York City gang violence with a sophisticated scoring and exuberant choreography. The tale of young, star-crossed lovers became a parable of the modern world, where Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer) were doomed not only by their passion but also by larger social forces. It transcended these apparent contradictions and made a classic tale timely by overlaying the love story with an exploration of mid-century racial tensions, transforming the Montagues and Capulets into the all-white Jets gang and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Music and story blended powerfully, as the sounds of the streets became the percussive muscle of a heavy-hitting score that blended jazz, pop and Latin rhythms. This monumental production, conceived and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, features the timeless lyrics of master American songwriter Stephen Sondheim, a magnificent score by Leonard Bernstein and a heartfelt book by playwright Arthur Laurents.
"Over the last 50 years, West Side Story has maintained its place among the greatest films ever made, with a stunning soundtrack and timeless storyline that continue to have a massive impact on audiences everywhere," said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of NCM Fathom. "For one more night, fans can experience the magic of this cinematic treasure, fully restored and on the big screen."
On November 15, audiences at home can experience MGM's WEST SIDE STORY: 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, when it debuts with a Limited Edition 4-Disc Numbered Boxed Set featuring Blu-ray, DVD, Tribute CD and collectible memorabilia, as well as a 2-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater advertising network covers 170 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes approximately 17,200 screens (16,100 digital). During 2010, over 680 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters currently included in NCM's network (including Consolidated Theatres, Rave Cinemas, Coming Attractions and Digiplex Destinations). The NCM Fathom Events broadcast network is comprised of over 600 locations in 163 Designated Market Areas® (all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 43 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.6% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.nationalcinemedia.com or www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.
Turner Classic Movies is a Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world. Currently seen in more than 86 million homes, TCM features the insights of veteran primetime host Robert Osborne and weekend daytime host Ben Mankiewicz, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests. As the foremost authority in classic films, TCM offers critically acclaimed original documentaries and specials, along with regular programming events that include The Essentials, 31 Days of Oscar and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also stages special events and screenings, such as the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood and the TCM Classic Cruise; produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs; and hosts a wealth of materials on its website, http://www.tcm.com. TCM is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company.
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