A West Side Story -- A New York Moment

Posted: 12/17/04 at 11:39pm

A high school auditorium on Manhattan's West Side, at Fiorello La Guardia High School of Music & Art and Perfomring Arts, was filled to its 1200 seat capacity this evening. Playing on a stage situated among the very streets where the Sharks and Jets once roamed, and just one block from the gym where the now famous dance took place, high school students performed one of only six performances of the Robbins-Bernstein-Sondheim-Laurents brilliant masterpiece of musical theatre WEST SIDE STORY. This was one of the few performances in New York tonight that truly deserved the standing ovation, and the three curtain calls, the audience bestowed on the cast and 35+ piece orchestra.

This musical, about 47 years old, still mesmermizes with its sheer brilliance of simplity and emotional impact.

Walking home after the performance I reflected on how the Broadway musical has changed in those nearly 50 years. Compared to WSS, today's musicals involving teen-agers, HAIRSPRAY, WICKED, BROOKLYN, to name a few, look, sound and have the emotional impact of children's stories.

The young cast of this WSS deserve praise for their fine job, and for proving, yet again, that exquisitely written musicals stand the test of time, and can be presented at any level and still involve and engage an audience.

Bravo, WEST SIDE STORY!

Bravo, LaGuardia High School!

Updated On: 12/17/04 at 11:39 PM

[bbroadwaybb]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 11:55pm

I second that! I was there tonight as well and thought it was one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen in AGES!

Not only is that show so far superior to anything going these days, but those kids were amazing, producing performances BETTER than what passes for acting on broadway. Real live tripple threats right there on the stage - unbelieveable.

What a glorious evening. I was so inspired. If any of you have a chance to see the last performace tomorrow night - GO!

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 12/17/04 at 11:55pm

Ooh Jose, that's fun!

I wonder if the kids performing the show knew they were doing it on the exact location that the movie was shot?

Wish I could have seen it, it sounds terrific.

Posted: 12/18/04 at 9:54am

Like A CHORUS LINE a month or so ago, which was produced by the students of NYU, LaGuardia High School's production of WEST SIDE STORY is one of the top musical theatre evenings in NYC at the moment.

The creative material alone trajects it beyond nearly anything on Broadway this Saturday. Add to this the talent, performing skills, energy and exurberance of its cast, plus a pit orchestra of over 35 musicians, and, well, I'm sorry, but forget the razzle-dazzle, the prancing drag queens, the green paint, the dancing animals, the kitchen ceramics and utensils, the garbage costumes, and the little chubby girl. Oh, and I forgot to mention that this New York moment of sheer brilliance on stage came at a $15.00 top price (for adults).

Ya gotta love it!

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 10:24am

If memory serves correctly, the movie was shot on the site of what is now Lincoln Center. As soon as the movie wrapped, the bulldozers came in.

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 10:51am

I've seen it twice already, but not with the same four leads as both of you have. The set is incredible and the energy is really phenomenal. The choreography and vocals on these kids is really something. I attend the Professional Performing Arts School a little while away, and they put on some great shows there, too. But I have to admit, West Side Story is the best high school show I've ever seen.

[NativeNewYorker]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 12:07pm

That is wonderful...I will never stop loving WSS.

[Jnybyby]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 2:28pm

HELLO ALL! My name is Jonathan Shew. I attend La Guardia high school, and I would just like to thank you for all of your wonderful support for our production West Side Story! I'm playing Tony on all the even nights, Dec. 10th 12th and 18th. Tonight is our last night. It will certainly be sad when it is all over. If anyone is still interested to come see the show, your best bet is to get there @ like 6:30pm and whoever doesnt pick up their reserved tickets, their tickets go on sale for general admission. $10 for students and $15 of adults. Glad you could make it!
All the Best!
p.s. you know WSS is opening on B'Way again in like 6months? I wish our cast could be moved to the Broadway version.. ::dreaming::

[bbroadwaybb]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 2:41pm

Congrats to you Jonathan! I saw the other cast, but break a leg tonight for your closing. WHY DON'T THEY EXTEND THE RUN???!!!!

Just so you know, WSS is NOT being revived anytime soon. The plan was to do it (with high school aged kids, as a matter of fact), but the deal fell through.

Updated On: 12/18/04 at 02:41 PM

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 2:44pm

John---this is Danny Gotay's brother, Jason. We saw each other at that trip last year. I saw you twice, and you were phenomenal, really. I was so impressed, and thrilled to be able to say I knew you. Amazing, amazing job. My brother's going tonight. Break a leg!

[timote316]

Posted: 12/18/04 at 3:00pm

Very cool. I wish I could see this production, it sounds really great

And too bad the revival fell through. Someone said on the boards they may push it back to be a 50th anniversary show, which would be awesome. Broadway NEEDS West Side Story.

Posted: 12/18/04 at 8:38pm

Jonathan, Congratulations to you and to all you classmates, and teachers behind this production of WEST SIDE STORY.

You are all to be commended for your wonderful work mounting this brilliant musical, and doing it so lovingly and professionally.

There is a lot of theatre that I'm exposed to in NYC, and the evening last night at this production of WEST SIDE STORY was feasting on manna from the gods of the Broadway, the Golden Age. Cherish the opportunity to perform in the classics.

Once again, bravo to you and the cast the crew! Thank you.