I really resent this ...
Recently
I watched a “60 Minutes” segment that, literally, had me in
tears. No, it wasn't anything political or a world disaster … it
was a review of the Broadway remake of the musical “West Side
Story” that is currently making it's debut on Broadway.
Why
was I so sad? Let me explain ...In 1957 I was living in NY city and thrilled to be attending the opening night of the amazing musical
“West Side Story". It was (and
still is) one of my favorite memories. One of
the things that I loved about the original show was the raw stage
simplicity that allowed the music of
Leonard Bernstein to be front and
center.
The
beauty and the ugliness of NY City were on stark display and I was
entranced with the simple set changes that tied it all together. I
have never (before or since) seen a musical that touched me as this
one did.
I
guess this shows how petty I can be … but, how
dare a
Belgian director, known primarily for his Off-Broadway avant-garde
experimental theater productions,
make an over-the-top masquerade of one of my favorite memories. You bet I'm resentful !
posted by Goldendaze-Ginnie at 12:00 PM
6 Comments:
I think certain treasures should be left as they are. I’ve had enough of the remakes!
Seeing the original play must have been a profound experience.
Lucky you to have seen the first performance. I never saw a stage production of it but remember the 60's movie which I did love. Probably won't see the newer version.
No need to apologize at all, Ginnie, as I feel the same way about this iconic movie which I have seen several times and own on DVD. That director should have focused on his own original work and not attempted to re-do a classic. I'm with you!
Ginnie, one of my favorite musicals choreographed by Jerome Robbins and my favorite song, "Maria." I have been reading the reviews and seen clips of this remake. Agree with you 100%. If I'm correct, I read that the snapping of fingers in that one special scene has been left out. I can't imagine how much drama is erased by dong so. Lived 20 mins. outside of Manhattan and always have been fascinated with the theatre. Lucky enough to have seen many wonderful shows, including the Roxy Theatre seasonal productions and Radio City Music Hall. I was so fortunate and inspired by the visual as well as the fantastic music.
From how you describe this new version, I agree — I would much prefer the original. Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone. West Side Story was spectacular though I never had the pleasure of seeing the actual broadway stage production.
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