BWW Review: Timeless, Cherished WEST SIDE STORY Receives a Near to Perfect Production at La Mirada
by Don Grigware - Apr 24, 2017
Indeed, West Side Story is the most acclaimed musical. And, ask musical actors/actresses what is their favorite Broadway musical of all time and most concur, West Side Story. Why? It has phenomenal music by Leonard Bernstein, with concise poetic lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a tight and gripping book by Arthur Laurents. The brilliant choreography established in 1957 by Jerome Robbins will never be forgotten. The book presents one of the most powerful love stories ever, next to Romeo and Juliet. With all these elements complementing one another, from the first downbeat of the orchestra and the appearance of the Jets creeping in one by one on a half-lit stage, the show pulls you in and doesn't let go for its two and a half hours ... and its message and images of love linger long after the curtain falls.
INDECENT and WEST SIDE STORY Round Out Guthrie's 2017-18 Season
by BWW News Desk - Apr 17, 2017
The Guthrie Theater today announced the final two of nine productions to be offered as part of the theater's 2017-2018 subscription season: Indecent, a new play with music by Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel (How I Learned to Drive), conceived by Vogel and Rebecca Taichman; and the Guthrie's first production of the iconic American musical West Side Story, directed by Joseph Haj.
The Media Theatre Presents WEST SIDE STORY
by BWW News Desk - Apr 10, 2017
The Media Theatre has the legendary musical "West Side Story" April 19 through June 11. With a book by Arthur Laurents and a sweeping score from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, the musical is often referred to as one of the all-time greats in the Broadway canon.
BWW Review: WEST SIDE STORY at Casa Manana
by Kyle Christopher West - Mar 9, 2017
There's one sizable concern that I have about Casa Manana's production of WEST SIDE STORY, and that's the fact that it's only slated to perform for two weekends, with closing night quickly approaching. This version of the classic 1950's American musical may not only be the best production to appear in The Dome in recent memory, but this local showing could quite probably rival any previous incarnation of the show altogether…ever.
BWW Interview: Director Richard Israel Shares his Vision for Bringing WEST SIDE STORY to the Stage
by Shari Barrett - Mar 7, 2017
As the world prepares for the Centennial of legendary American composer Leonard Bernstein this August, La Mirada Theatre and VPAC present perhaps his greatest musical and one of the most memorable love stories of all time, WEST SIDE STORY. Director Richard Israel shares his vision for the production, as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever, with the thrilling Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim score including "Tonight," "Maria," "America" and the classic "Somewhere" remaining one of the best ever written. In it, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City with two lovers, Tony and Maria, caught between warring street gangs; the Italian-American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence, and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
BWW Review: Beautifully Sung WEST SIDE STORY
by Frank Benge - Feb 20, 2017
WEST SIDE STORY is historically one of the most important of American musicals, with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Its conception as a heavy dance piece came from original choreographer and director Jerome Robbins and is loosely based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The show also marked Sondheim's Broadway debut. With its dark subject matter, focusing on social problems, and sophisticated score, the show was a turning point in American Musical Theatre. Bernstein's score includes 'Something's Coming', 'Maria', 'Somewhere', 'Tonight', 'I Feel Pretty', and 'One Hand, One Heart', all of which have become part of the Great American Songbook. The original production was nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Musical in 1957. It was turned into a film in 1961, ultimately winning ten Oscars, including Best Picture.
Broadway Classic WEST SIDE STORY Set for Extended Run at The Wick Theatre
by BWW
News Desk - Jan 14, 2017
The Wick Theatre will present the timeless and groundbreaking 1957 Broadway smash, West Side Story. This season's most requested production has already been extended and will run January 12 - February 26, 2017. The gala opening night is set for Today, January 14.
Broadway Classic WEST SIDE STORY Set for Extended Run at The Wick Theatre
by BWW
News Desk - Jan 12, 2017
The Wick Theatre will present the timeless and groundbreaking 1957 Broadway smash, West Side Story. This season's most requested production has already been extended and will run January 12 - February 26, 2017. The gala opening night is set for Saturday, January 14.
Broadway Classic WEST SIDE STORY Set for Extended Run at The Wick Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Jan 4, 2017
The Wick Theatre will present the timeless and groundbreaking 1957 Broadway smash, West Side Story. This season's most requested production has already been extended and will run January 12 - February 26, 2017. The gala opening night is set for Saturday, January 14.
BWW Review: WEST SIDE STORY at Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre Program
by Roy Berko - Nov 14, 2016
WEST SIDE STORY, the Jerome Robbins (concept development), Leonard Bernstein (Music), Arthur Laurents (book), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), had an interesting road from idea to Broadway production to revivals. The script is now in production by the Baldwin Wallace Department of Theatre and Dance and the Conservatory of Music's Musical Theatre Program.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Additional 'West Side Story' Events to Focus on Diversity and Other Social Issues
by BWW
News Desk - Sep 7, 2016
Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF will host a series of special events focusing on diversity and other social issues affecting the Central Florida community in conjunction with their production of West Side Story (September 7 - October 9, 2016). Tickets to West Side Story are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).
Orlando Shakespeare Theater's Additional 'West Side Story' Events to Focus on Diversity and Other Social Issues
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 2, 2016
Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF will host a series of special events focusing on diversity and other social issues affecting the Central Florida community in conjunction with their production of West Side Story (September 7 - October 9, 2016). Tickets to West Side Story are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).
STAGE TUBE: WEST SIDE STORY Gets a Chill Retelling for 2016!
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 17, 2016
When West Side Story was created in 1957, it was considered a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. How would the story differ in today's context? Below check out an awesome modern interpretation the 'Cool' scene, as just released by Los York.
Photo Flash: First Look at Theatre By The Sea's WEST SIDE STORY
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 24, 2016
Bill Hanney's award winning Theatre By The Sea (TBTS) presents the beloved musical classic, WEST SIDE STORY. Shakespeare's immortal 'Romeo & Juliet' is transported to 20th century New York City, where two idealistic young lovers, with only their love in common, find themselves caught between warring street gangs and clashing cultures. WEST SIDE STORY runs from Wednesday, June 22 thru Saturday, July 16, 2016.