What is the beginning of West Side Story?

The opening is a carefully choreographed, half-danced/half-mimed ballet of sorts. It shows the growing tensions between the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, and the Jets, a gang made up of “American” boys. An incident between the Jets and Shark leader, Bernardo, escalates into an all out fight between the two gangs.

Why is the beginning of West Side Story so long?

The lengthy credits for West Side Story were shifted to an epilogue, because those for the Broadway musical as well as the film had to be incorporated. This also gave viewers time to compose themselves after the tragic climax. And I put the credit ‘Music by Leonard Bernstein’ on a ‘No Left Turn’ sign.

What is the main story of West Side Story?

Inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, the story is set in the mid-1950s in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, then a multiracial, blue-collar neighborhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

Where was the opening scene of West Side Story filmed?

Since the real ‘West Side’ of the title West Side Story was being demolished, filmmakers looked for other sets that would capture the grit of New York City. This playground, in what is now Spanish Harlem, served as the location for much of the movie’s dramatic prologue.

When was West Side Story first performed?

September 26, 1957
West Side Story/First performance

What year is West Side Story set in?

West Side Story is set in the mid 1950’s, when many Puerto Ricans moved to NYC.

How many versions of West Side Story are there?

three versions
There are three versions of “West Side Story”: the original 1957 Broadway score, orchestrated by Sid Ramin and Irwin Kostal, played by 27 musicians; the 1961 version, conducted by Johnny Green with a 72-piece Hollywood orchestra, which Bernstein reportedly disliked; and the “Symphonic Dances From West Side Story,” …

When did they film West Side Story 2021?

In January 2018, Spielberg was hired and casting began that September. Justin Peck choreographed the dance sequences. Filming began in July 2019 and wrapped up two months later. Shooting occurred in New York and New Jersey.

When was West Side Story written?

1957
West Side Story/Date written
The very question of what does or does not seem appropriate for Maria and the other Puerto Rican characters is itself a matter of controversy. “West Side Story,” a 1957 Broadway classic created by four white Jewish men who were artistic trailblazers, has been criticized for racial stereotyping.

Who choreographed West Side Story?

Choreographer Justin Peck
Choreographer Justin Peck grew up with “West Side Story.” The son of a New York City father and an Argentine immigrant mother, he was first shown the 1961 movie musical when he was very young. The family by then lived in California, and Peck thinks his parents were feeling nostalgic.

In what year was the first production of West Side Story produced on Broadway?

On September 26, 1957, West Side Story, composed by Leonard Bernstein, opens at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. For the groundbreaking musical, Bernstein provided a propulsive and rhapsodic score that many celebrate as his greatest achievement as a composer.

How long is Westside Story 2021?

2h 36m
West Side Story/Running time