West Side Story at the National Theatre in Washington, DC
Thursday November 13, 2008
West Side Story, the landmark American musical, returns to the National Theatre, where the musical made its world premiere in 1957. This new production, directed by two-time Tony Award winning librettist Arthur Laurents and produced by Kevin McCollum, James L. Nederlander and Jeffrey Seller, will play the National Theatre December 15, 2008 through January 17, 2009, prior to its Broadway run. The original Jerome Robbins choreography will be restaged by Tony Award nominee Joey McKneely (The Boy from Oz, The Life).
West Side Story is the story of two star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, who find themselves caught between the rival street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds, the "Jets" and the "Sharks." Their struggle to exist together in a world of violence, hate and prejudice on the turbulent streets of the Upper West Side in 1950s New York City is one of the most heart-breaking musical masterpieces of our time.
Tickets for West Side Story are on sale through Telecharge and TicketsNow.com.
Comments
This was one of the worst productions of this great story I have ever seen. The actor playing Tony had little to no stage presence, no chemistry with the actress playing Maria (she was good) and his singing voice was devoid of passion and sounded girlish. The dancing was great, and the actress playing Anita was wonderful. The producer changed the order of the songs around, so that Gee Officer Krupke was sung right after Riff was killed…..didn’t make ANY sense that a song like that would be sung after your leader is killed. The spanish songs with the translations posted was very distracting and took alot away from the performance. I don’t think this play is anywhere ready for Broadway, and I know the people around me agree that this was just awful.
I agree with the previous writer. This production was not good at all. The opening scene was barely audiable, slow and boring. The first act was way too long. The break should have occured before the rumble. I have seen Matt Cavenaugh in a number of shows where he was great. He is not good at all as Tony. The actresses who played Maria and Anita were terrific, but that was it.
I don’t speak spanish so the 2nd act in mostly spanish left me lacking. I did not see any translation avaiable the night I saw the performance.
Everyone who sat near me, said the same thing. The show is not ready for NYC. The energy is not there. Tony and Maria see each other at the dance and are kissing and in love immediately. Hard to believe with no stage chemistry. This production needs a lot of work.
I agree with the both of the prior posts. This was the worst musical I have ever seen! It was slow & uninteresting. The only redeeming factor was Anita. She was fabulous, she showed believable emotion which you could even hear in her voice. The rest of the cast was horrble in their singing and dancing. The scene at the end with Anita’s ‘rape’ was vulgar. Completely unnecessary. Not to mention the abundant use of the term ’spick’ I found offensive. I paid $200 for each ticket I purchased and I sorely regret it.
I haven’t yet seen this production, but intend to do so when it comes to NYC. I hope the “lack of chemistry” of the two leads and any other rough spots are ironed out by then. I have high hopes to witness an exciting revival of one of the most brilliant musicals ever conceived.
For those commenters with complaints about the order of events: In the original production, “Officer Krupke” WAS performed after Riff’s death. It was changed for the 1961 film because the collaborators agreed that a humorous song seemed inappropriate following a major character’s death. Laurents, who wrote the libretto, directed this revival, and he obviously wanted to stick with the order of events the show originally had, for whatever reason.
The attack on Anita is disturbing and is supposed to be so, as is the use of racial/ethnic slurs. Why? This is a show about PREJUDICE AND POINTLESS HATE. About how dangerous such ignorance is, and how it can result in untold tragedy and loss. Like its inspiration, Romeo and Juliet, this is a tale of innocent love destroyed by senseless violence. So while some modern viewers may find it distasteful, to write this off as a bad show for those reasons seems to be missing the point in a major way.
My parents’ first apartment in New York City was in the very neighborhood where West Side Story takes place, and in the same time period it’s set (mid-to-late 1950s)–just a couple of blocks from where Lincoln Center stands today. My father played in the Philadelphia production of the show. I look forward to my first chance to see a quality live performance.
This production was so bad as to be difficult to watch. Mr. Laurents might have written a brilliant book back in the day, but he is no director. No evidence of direction is present — long, awkward pauses litter every scene. I’ve seen better high school musical productions.
I agree that Anita is terrific (as was the song “America”), but the rest of the cast should be dumped wholesale. Without a new director and major cast replacements, this production doesn’t have even the smallest chance of success.
Thanks to S. Myers for correcting the song order issues and other comments concerning the show even though he/she has not yet seen this production.
We saw the show December 27th and, unfortunately, agree with others’ comments that the show is slow and that the actors have little chemistry. The show’s dancing IS wonderful. But the show needs a stronger director creating pace, passion, and purpose. Anita and Maria were quite good as were ALL the women in the show.
There were no subtitles the night we saw the show. No matter how well you know the script, you really do need them.
There are some good moments in the show, especially “America” (which received the night’s biggest ovation), but overall the production needs a lot of retooling.
I must say I am very hesitant now to even see the show today. I know, had this been advertised as not being entirely in English, that I would not have paid the big bucks to see it. Even though I know the story, I am taking someone who has never seen it, AND, doesnt speak spanish..
I’d agree, I haven’t seen it yet. I’ve got tickets for Wed. January 7 and wish I hadn’t read these comments. I am going to keep an open mind and judge for myself.
Rachel Cooper
Very disappointing and not worth the price of admission. It was not well advertised that much of the production was in Spanish which left those of us that don’t speak the language at a loss. Why would the producers assume that everyone who attended this production understood Spanish. Unfortunately this was not a good way to spend New Years Eve.
I saw it last night and the choreography was great. Maria was spectacular in both acting and voice. Anita was also excellent. I know the numbers so well that the Spanish was an interesting interpretation that I think added to this rendition.
Tony came across as lame. His dress, his hair as well as the acting, and often singing, didn’t fit into this production.
Overall, I think it was worth it, but not worth a standing ovation that DC seems to give every live performance.
Saw this production on January 2nd. I enjoyed it but do feel it has a way to go. First of all, I’m beginning to think the part of Tony is hard to do as anything but milktoast/whitebread — maybe that’s the point. This Tony is better than the guy who played it in the movie, in my opnion. Aside from the first song, which he seemed to have trouble with, he had a beautiful voice. One choice for the “Maria” song is to have him seated in a storytelling way to the audience, instead of standing which must be awkward for him. Maria and Anita are both brilliant with stunning voices and spot on characterizations. Although I think “I Feel Pretty” is just fine in Spanish (which I don’t speak) — really the Puerto Ricans should be allowed to speak their native tongue at some point when they’re alone — I REALLY think that for the song in the bedroom with the two of them when Maria is convincing Anita of her love for Tony that Maria should sing in English — it would make sense as she is talking of her love for the American boy. It would make a great contrast for the song, with Anita still in Spanish (her emoting is so clear anyway for those that can’t understand the lyrics in Spanish) and is such a pivotal part that if the audience misses the point there, the next bit is very confusing. Bernardo is gorgeous, could swagger a bit more with the sexuality. The boy with the red hair who sang “Somewhere” has the voice of an angel and amazing stage presence — I think maybe it would be much better if they made at least brief reference to his character early in the show — the programme just said “Kiddo”, so maybe they could be clearer that he could be the key to the turning point of hope for the future or something. I actually think the Krupke song is fine where it is, after the event the boys have to build up some bravado again. Krupke could also be more Krupke-ish — again more swagger.
The dancing is fabulous all around, couldn’t hurt to do a little more flex rather than pointed toe….but otherwise just glorious dancing!
Ok … I have gone to see this show 3x in DC. Because I just love this musical.I took my family and friends. It’s a brilliant and inspired work by all the greats … how could you not love this show!
Each time I have seen it, it gets better, tighter, more fluid, more confident. Give it a break folks. We’re in previews here. That’s the time to work out kinks and fine tune. Nothing is perfect at the beginning. It takes intelligent comments and contructive criticism to get it right along with trial and error. They have made some fabulous yet subtle changes already. I have read that Arthur Laurents the director wants to make this more real, more genuine with this new bilingual interpretation. I think the leads are wonderful. And the Spanish makes this so much more authentic. I do wish the duet A BOY Like That was in Spanish (Anita) and in English(Maria). A fabulous comprimise and suggestion by JFisher. Would be easier to understand, be more effective and symbolic too! A great idea. I liked the redhead boy soprano very much. Beautiful voice, touching moment. A young voice of hope. It would be great to see more of him in the first act so we understand more of who he is. The dancing is just fantastic, the choreagraphy amazing. What a great bunch of young talented actors, dancers, singers. Keep up the great work WSS. I think you’ll be a smash in NYC on Broadway! Good Luck and Buenos Noches!
I saw the production last night and felt that I was watching bad community theater at times. The costumes for the jets were not correct, Tony was poorly cast, the use of Spanish became annoying because it negated the beauty of Sondheim’s incredible lyrics. I will say that the dancing was wonderful and that Anita and Maria were excellent. What ashame to lose the humor of the girls singing back to Maria in “I Feel Pretty” and the powerful drama of “A Boy Like That”. The counterpoint of “Tonight” was also terribly diminished.
I hope that they fix this fast so a new generation can experience what is possibly the best musical in history.
BTW, Richard Beymer, who played Tony in the film evidently agrees with JFisher. He hated his performance so much, he never made another movie.
Oh S_ _ T! I love the WSS story and have vivid memories of the original movie with Natalie Wood, and have seen it on stage long ago. My wife purchased tickets for my upcominig birthday, and based on the majority of comments the show really lacks the vitality and spunk that I recall. Maybe I’ll luck out and the performance we attend will be better than what has been viewed so far. Wish me luck!!
I will be seeing this with my family on Saturday. We paid a lot for the tickets. It was not advertised as a “bilingual” show. Its own website says “This groundbreaking new production, directed by the legendary Mr. Laurents, will offer a bold new design that builds on the show’s raw power and emotion to create a fresh experience unlike any that came before it. Don’t miss this thrilling presentation of a matchless work of art.” Not a word about being half in Spanish. This is really a fraud on the public who bought tickets. Someone should hold a lottery to guess the date it will close on Broadway. Maybe 3 weeks for the over/under.
How can you dis this show before you even see it? Just because you heard about the bilingual aspects of a new and more authentic production? I say have an open mind and i think you will be pleasantly surprised. I saw it last night with friends. It was electrifying and the reviews for the most part today are very positive and enthusiastic! West Side Story is great, brilliant,inspired, no matter how you slice it.These young actors did it proud. I think the duet A Boy like that could have been better done with Anita in Spanish and Maria in English. Powerful and symbolic. But it was still moving and beautiful to listen too. We get the general idea. These woman are so talented and strong and on fire. I think it will be a hit on Broadway again these 57 years later and it deserves to be! Go see it for yourself now in DC before it heads to The BIG APPLE!It’s worth it the price of admission!
My husband and I just returned from seeing WSS this evening, and it pains me to say that I am deeply disappointed! WSS has been a favorite of mine for many years, but it was the first time my husband saw the entire story. Because the show had so much Spanish written in, he missed much of the storyine, (particularly the song between Maria and Annita which is a pivitol scene). Had I known that I/we needed to speak Spanish to enjoy the show, I’d have saved the money and gotten tickets to see something else. Our friends also attended with us; neither of them had seen the movie nor the play and they found it very difficult to follow.
Why try to be authenic if the audience has a diffucult time comprehending the story.
What a disappointment!
I saw WSS this afternoon and I have to strongly disagree with all of the negative reviews listed above. I thought the production was EXCELLENT and the Spanish really does not detract from understanding the story. First of all, there is hardly any Spanish at all in the first act, and it is mixed in with English so you can essentially understand the point being made through context. The second act has only two songs in Spanish, and I do agree that Maria and Anita’s duet should have some English to make it clearer. Also, people are not giving Matt Cavenaugh the credit he deserves. His voice is great and his portrayal of Tony is a great contrast to the rest of the Jets. Really, this is a very strong production and will do well on Broadway. Leaving the theater, all I heard were positive comments from other people, or people wiping their noses and tears from crying during the final scene. Fantastic!
First off, let me say I LOVE WSS, and always have. So I really wanted to like this “revival,” and… I really didn’t. It was okay, but definitely not something ready for Broadway. First of all, I don’t understand what was revived. It seems like the same play, same costumes, etc from the 1950s. Also, Tony was effeminate, and not believeable as a gangbanger or a leading man. And what was with the costumes? The Jets looked like a gang of Abercrombie employees, except for Action, who wore a wife beater. Bernardo looked like the Penguin from Batman with his purple suit. Who did costumes on this?
There were a couple of great elements. The set and lighting was wonderful. Anita and Maria were excellent. Those were the definite highlight of the show. The woman were much stronger than the guys.
“Somewhere” turned into a strange scene were a random little boy started singing, and the two gang members started giggling like children and frolicking around the stage. Huh? And there were so many dramatic and comedic moments that were lost, or rushed through in this interpretation. I hope they can work out these kinks before Broadway. If I had gone to see this show on Broadway, I would be pissed.
The role of Tony is uncastable. Just look at history: NO Tony has enjoyed success in any MAJOR production of this musical. Larry Kert was NOTABLE for being the first Tony, but were the poor lad alive today, I do not think he would characterize his life as ideal. He comes across as a weenie emo in all productions because that is unfortunately the way he is written. Example: he wants to join the love of his life in death. How charmingly sixteenth century. But he wants SOMEONE ELSE to do it for him. Hello, he’s in the basement of a drug store.
There is a REASON why historically speaking, the WOMEN of the show have always been more recognized–it is a problem with the source material. Most users here have not even correctly observed that the choreography for Anita has been simplified in this production, the material for the character is otherwise so strong. The women are written in the book as very active; ALL the men are quite passive (Tony intervenes at the rumble because Maria TELLS him to. Emo wuss!!!). In writing, ACTIVE is ALWAYS stronger than PASSIVE.
I have seen the production three times, and am planning on a fourth. It is beautifully danced and mostly beautifully sung. What community theater are people going to where the dancers are of this caliber? I’ve checked out a lot on youtube and to say any of them are even close is insane. Is it perfect? I truly hope Laurents takes to heart the criticisms about pacing and tighten up some of the excessive dramatic pauses. I also hope he restores the use of surtitles–they were not wrong in the first week, just inappropriately placed.
Just saw the show at the National Theater tonight. Leanord Bernstein’s music was awesome, and the dance numbers totally awesome. Maria has a fantastic voice. The acting was a bit disappointing. These are fantastic singers and dancers, but not actors. The pacing somebody mentioned may be part of the problem. During the dialog parts where were often pauses that just sapped the feeling away from it. I won’t beat poor Tony into the ground any more but I don’t disagree with that people have said. Awesome dancing. Awesome music. Occasionally very moving acting.
I just saw the performance on Sat. and was really disappointed. This is one of my favorite musicals and it definitely loses the intensity in the bilingual mode. I think they should have sung the songs half english, half spanish to get the jist of the meaning, for those who don’t know the story. I kept thinking they would and they didn’t. I really had a problem with sexual inuendos included that did not need to be there. The last line in Office Krupke did not need to be acted out in such a way as it was. There were kids in back of me that I know did not need to see that. And who was that “kiddo”, didn’t make any sense in the number “Somewhere”. I couldn’t feel the same emotions with this production. It is really misleading not to know about the spanish inclusion.