The Jets, The Sharks, and the Making of a Classic: West Side Story

West Side Story is one of the most beloved and iconic musicals of all time. With its unforgettable songs, dynamic dance numbers, and timeless story, it has captivated audiences for generations.

West Side Story: The Jets, the Sharks, and the Making of a Classic (Turner Classic Movies)

by Richard Barrios

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	210835 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages

FREE

In this new book, author John Lahr takes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this classic film. He interviews cast and crew members, including Natalie Wood, Russ Tamblyn, George Chakiris, and Rita Moreno, to give readers a first-hand account of the challenges and triumphs that went into creating this masterpiece.

Lahr's book is not only a fascinating account of the making of a film, but also a celebration of the enduring legacy of West Side Story. In the book, Lahr explores the film's themes of love, loss, and prejudice, and shows how it continues to resonate with audiences today.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of West Side Story or are just discovering it for the first time, this book is a must-read. It's a captivating and insightful look at one of the greatest musicals ever made.

The Story

West Side Story is aRomeo and Juliet-inspired musical that tells the story of two young lovers from rival gangs in New York City: Tony, a member of the Jets, and Maria, a member of the Sharks. Despite their different backgrounds, Tony and Maria fall deeply in love. However, their love is forbidden by their respective gangs, and they must fight to be together.

The film's story is both timeless and timely. It's a story about love, loss, and prejudice, and it explores the challenges of growing up in a divided world. The film's characters are complex and relatable, and their struggles resonate with audiences of all ages.

The Cast

The cast of West Side Story includes some of the most iconic actors and actresses of all time. Natalie Wood stars as Maria, and Russ Tamblyn stars as Tony. George Chakiris and Rita Moreno play Bernardo and Anita, the leaders of the Sharks, and Richard Beymer plays Riff, the leader of the Jets.

The cast of West Side Story is uniformly excellent. Each actor brings their own unique talents to the role, and they create believable and memorable characters. Natalie Wood is luminous as Maria, and Russ Tamblyn is charming and charismatic as Tony. George Chakiris and Rita Moreno are both scene-stealing as Bernardo and Anita, and Richard Beymer is suitably menacing as Riff.

The Music

The music of West Side Story is one of the most memorable and beloved scores in all of film history. The songs were written by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, and they perfectly capture the film's themes of love, loss, and prejudice.

Some of the most famous songs from West Side Story include "Maria," "Tony," "America," "I Feel Pretty," and "Somewhere." These songs have been covered by countless artists over the years, and they continue to be popular today.

The Legacy

West Side Story is one of the most influential musicals ever made. It has been adapted into several stage productions, and it has been made into a film twice. The film version of West Side Story won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

West Side Story continues to be a popular and beloved musical today. It is a timeless story with unforgettable characters, and its music is some of the most memorable in all of film history. Whether you're a lifelong fan of West Side Story or are just discovering it for the first time, this book is a must-read.

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West Side Story: The Jets, the Sharks, and the Making of a Classic (Turner Classic Movies)

by Richard Barrios

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	210835 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages

FREE