West Side Story changed the course of musical theatre when it opened on Broadway in 1957. It remains one of the most successful stage shows of all time. This production of the greatest dance musical of all time arrives at The Mayflower, Southampton for a two week run next year, 27 January to 7 February 2009.
Having sold out recently in Paris, Tokyo and Beijing, fifty years later, as part of its fiftieth anniversary world tour, the original Broadway classic is re-staged at Sadler's Wells prior to its UK tour and directed & choreographed afresh by Joey McKneely - former assistant to Jerome Robbins.
Alongside the stage musical, and the 1961 film version, which won ten Academy Awards, the original creative team of West Side Story have gained legendary status. The groundbreaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, and the unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, dealt with dark themes and marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Based on Romeo and Juliet and focusing on social issues, the extended dance scenes, and the unforgettable songs, including 'Maria', 'Tonight', 'Somewhere', 'America', and 'I Feel Pretty', have become part of public consciousness the world over.
Set on Manhattan's Upper West Side, West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs; one white the other Puerto Rican. When Tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang's leader, the feud takes on a new dimension, and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred.
Joey McKneely has choreographed and directed extensively on Broadway and his credits include Smokey Joe's Cafe, Hal Prince's production of Whistle Down The Wind and Nicholas Hytner's production of Twelfth Night. He staged and choreographed West Side Story at La Scala in Milan and has worked on many Hollywood movies. He choreographed The Boy From Oz, with Hugh Jackman in the leading role, before embarking on the direction and choreography for this production of West Side Story. -- www.mayflower.org.uk
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
