Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
#1Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Posted: 3/14/09 at 11:28am
In today's New York Times Arts and Leisure Section there is an extensive article with photos of the current production of WEST SIDE STORY. Arthur Laurents mentions some of the changes that he has made, saying there is no reason to revive a musical unless there are different ideas used. He defends his change of the ending, saying that the cops would never let gang members carry a body out of a crime scene! So, forget the poetry of the original ending and opt for realism. Hmmm. Sondheim is also quoted.
As usual, I am asking someone to provide a link to the 3 page article, as I am ignorant of that skill. The article is well worth reading.
"Madam Rose...and her daughter...Gypsy!"
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#2re: Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Posted: 3/14/09 at 11:36amhttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/theater/15cohe.html?ref=arts
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
#2re: Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Posted: 3/14/09 at 1:17pm
Mr. Laurents made other changes, some to heighten the verisimilitude and others to depart from it.
In other words, arbitrary, capricious and either stupidly or maliciously intended to diminish or neutralize Jerome Robbins's contributions to the original.
#3re: Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Posted: 3/14/09 at 1:32pm
Sondheim has the final word:
“It’s relevant if it moves you,” Mr. Sondheim said.
#4re: Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Posted: 3/14/09 at 2:12pmI thought The Estate of Jerome Robbins pretty much controlled what could and could not be done about his direction and especially his choreography. I am surprised that Arthur Laurents has the latitude to make so many changes in direction concept and specific staging. Pal Joey, your comments in your first post on this thread seem right on. What a travesty!
"Madam Rose...and her daughter...Gypsy!"
#5re: Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Posted: 3/14/09 at 2:19pm
The clout of the Estate of Jerome Robbins was considerably weakened with the death last year of Floria lasky, Robbins's longtime lawyer and fierce defender of the integrity of her client's work.
Arthur referred to her in public as the "last remaining obstacle" to his reenvisioning of WSS.
#6re: Another Long Article on WSS in Today's NY Times
Posted: 3/14/09 at 2:22pmok... that picture of Karen is NOT flattering at all!!!!!
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