West Side Story Original Production Question

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:50am

Did the original production use an overture or did the show open just like the current revival?

[BroadwayKing09]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:52am

it had an overture. but i think it was cut soon after.

[Jon]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 9:31am

NO NO NO NO NO!!!

There was no overture in the original WSS.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 11:25am

Exactly. The original 1957 Broadway production did NOT have an Overture.

The 1961 film-version created one and used it for the original road-show presentation of the film.

This film-version Overture is what some productions have chosen to use (when they use the Overture). The legendary 1980 Broadway revival used this Overture.

Here is the 1961 film-version WEST SIDE STORY Overture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4YpibbJFoM

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 12:58pm

All responses are partially accurate.

To quote "WSS On Stage":

The intention of Leonard Bernstein was to have the musical begin without an overture. The rather stark and, at the time, unconventional idea has provided enormous dramatic value to productions that go this route. Mr. Bernstein?s feelings on this matter are clearly demonstrated by the absence of an overture in the otherwise comprehensive Deutsche Grammophon recording of the work under his baton. Also in accord with the composer's wishes is the absence of an overture in the painstakingly thorough and magnificent Conductor's Score published by Boosey & Hawkes (though B&H has whispered the existence of a separate book containing an overture, presumably available in plain brown wrapper.)

The Overture in question was prepared by the orchestrators and not by the composer and has been played in a number of important productions, though not, by several accounts, in the original. With a graciousness that almost matches his genius, Mr. Bernstein put aside his disapproval of the piece and agreed to conduct the Overture for the premiere of the triumphal Return Engagement on Broadway in April of 1960. Prolonged applause greeted his entrance--undoubtedly a surprise to most of the audience--and was enthusiastically repeated at the conclusion of the piece. How much more special could the evening have been than by having the proceedings kicked off by the work's gifted composer?
WSS On Stage

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 2:48pm

It was a recurring battle between Robbins and Bernstein. Robbins kept putting it in, and Bernstein kept demanding that it be removed.

The battle continued through the 1980 revival.

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 2:52pm

The film overture is one of my favorite pieces of orchestral music. I'm a violinist and I've played in several different Orchestras and taken many different group classes where we study music and this piece is always mentioned. It's an orchestral requirement.

[gvendo2005]

Posted: 8/22/09 at 5:34pm

The stage version is actually a little different from the film, if the WSS On Stage website is to be believed. I remember reading something about it having more emphasis on the "Somewhere" theme than "Maria."

[BroadwayKing09]

Posted: 8/23/09 at 12:34am

oh. Sorry. haha

[allofmylife]

Posted: 8/23/09 at 12:47am

Both times I have directed the show, I have mimicked the original Broadway recording and added the sixteen bars from the rumble scene to the very beginning. It is very effective and shuts the audience up so they don't miss the first few chords and the finger snaps (which they did at the previews of my first production.)