westsidestory

West Side Story brings fabulous 60s New York fashion to the NMACC
Costume designer Alejo Vietti speaks to Vogue about creating a contemporary palette for the iconic period Broadway show which opened at Mumbai’s NMACC this month

BY AVANTIKA SHANKAR


To call West Side Story a “feast for the eyes” would be a bit of an overstatement. But hear us out. Jerome Robbins’ Shakespeare-inspired Broadway classic doesn’t have the spectacular set design of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, or the fantastical lighting of Julie Taymor’s The Lion King. However, what keeps audiences coming back to theatres, and directors (most recently, Steven Spielberg) dreaming up new interpretations for stage and screen, is its unbearably catchy music and choreography. West Side Story gave us the finger-snapping Jets, the switchblade-swishing Sharks, the spinning skirts and fan kicks and ruckus claps, all of which have become musical theatre staples in their own right. In this show, lighting, set, and costume all work to serve the performers–and as the West Side Story Broadway tour drops anchor at Mumbai’s NMACC this week, Indian audiences have a chance to witness first-hand how functional-but-fabulous fashion can keep a mid-century show feeling fresh as ever.

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All the right moves: ‘West Side Story’ choreography stands the test of time
Choreographer Joshua Bergasse is re-staging the Tony Award-winning musical’s demanding footwork in a Lyric Opera production.

By Kyle MacMillan

Joshua Bergasse, who is re-staging the original Jerome Robbins choreography for “West Side Story,” is photographed during a rehearsal break at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Joshua Bergasse, who is re-staging the original Jerome Robbins choreography for “West Side Story,” is photographed during a rehearsal break at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Dance is usually added to Broadway musicals during staging, and sometimes it can be almost an afterthought
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Ryan McCartan (Tony) and Kanisha Marie Feliciano (Maria) perform "Tonight."

In 2023, Leonard Bernstein's music and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics will once again transplant Romeo and Juliet to the backstreets of New York City in this timeless Broadway musical masterpiece. Tony and Maria are wide-eyed teenagers from two communities in conflict, who fall in love. As their friends and family battle with one another, Tony and Maria long for "a place for us...somewhere." Their songs illuminate every scene and permeate our culture, from the romance of "Maria" and "Tonight" to the exuberance of "America" and the humor of "Gee, Officer Krupke." Add to that the bold, sexy, iconic choreography of Jerome Robbins that smolders and sizzles with energy, and you have a timeless musical theater experience you'll never forget.



In this interview with the renowned opera and theater director, Francesca Zambello talks about her larger-than-life production of WEST SIDE STORY, onstage at Lyric June 2-25.

In this interview with the renowned opera and theater director, Francesca Zambello talks about her larger-than-life production of WEST SIDE STORY, onstage at Lyric June 2-25.

Review: WEST SIDE STORY at The Argyle
Now through April 2nd.

by Melissa Giordano

Celebrating their incredible 4th season, the Argyle Theatre of Babylon has mounted a truly exquisite and exciting production of the iconic Tony winning musical West Side Story. Indeed, the Broadway caliber cast is absolutely top-notch under the fantastic direction of Broadway alum and Argyle's Artistic Director Evan Pappas and Todd Underwood who also serves as the production's choreographer. Running through April 2nd at the beautiful Long Island venue, this is a show not to be missed this season.

The tale, of course, centers on Maria, stunningly portrayed by Sabina Collazo, and Tony, strongly portrayed by Wes Williams, in a modern-day Romeo and Juliet situation.
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ACT’s West Side Story is a Dazzling Account of Love, Grief and Humanity

By Dan Savoie

In what starts out looking more like a dazzling dance production of West Side Story, director Chris Rabideau’s latest take on the timeless story of Tony and Maria makes a moody turn and becomes a swooning masterwork once the drama and emotions fly in the second half of the program. This heartfelt version of the 1957 musical, produced by Arts Collective Theatre, is on now at the Capitol Theatre with three remaining dates from Oct 21 to 23.
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Review: WEST SIDE STORY at City Springs Theatre Company
Now on stage through July 24, 2022!

by Caroline Powell
City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) is closing their 2021-2022 season with WEST SIDE STORY. This production was directed by Daniel Kutner, making his CSTC debut! While the show itself has a tragic ending, it was the perfect decision to close the theatre company's fourth season.
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