The songs that have been translated for WEST SIDE STORY so far... — Page 2

I agree they need to change it up and take it in a new direction. If I wanted to see the movie I'd rent it. Why not take a risk and try some new choreography. I think it can be done! I'm sorry, but I don't find ballet dancers to be the most convincing gang members. It might have worked by then, but audiences today are a tad bit more wise when it comes to that sort of thing. I think it could work and be really cool. I'd like to see the guy from Spring Awakening's take on the piece - and I know I'll get blasted for that, but I don't care. I find him innovative and interesting.

Wait... really? I've heard that before but I still don't understand why you would not be able to change something like choreography. That's like if you had to use the same direction or the same costumes or the same set for every production. How would they even monitor something like that?

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Really? well that makes me loose all respect for them, sorry. Art is a living breathing thing, and the fact that you can't change anything means it's just going to be a museum piece. Stupid. Someone has a big head.

Jerome Robbins and Michael Bennett are two of the few choreographers that have that rule in writing. CHORUS LINE's choreography cannot be changed.

Unfortunately, Bob Fosse never implemented this rule. I wish he had. We know what a disaster it was when they changed his choreography for SWEET CHARITY in 2005. Luckily there are choreographers like Ann Reinking who still can create his original and work and create work in his style.

Ljay, it's funny that we both referenced the disastrous Cilento choreography.
I am actually pretty sure that Bennett himself didn't have this rule in writing, but rather that John Breglio and Bob Avians have made sure that his choreography is preserved in all major productions of Bennett shows. However, I believe the recent high profile production of DREAMGIRLS in Philadelphia did not use Bennett's staging (someone correct me if I'm wrong), and it is rumored that the proposed Broadway revival of the same show will not stick to Bennett's choreography. Also, I wanna say that Encores! PROMISES, PROMISES did not use his staging either, but I might be wrong on that one.
Either way, the point is that choreography can be quite essential to a show. You wouldn't tinker with the lyrics or the music, so in a way, why would you tinker with a brilliant choreography?

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Updated On: 5/1/09 at 01:03 AM

Considering how underwhelmed I am by some of the casting choices, I think Lin's translations are the most exciting part of this revival!!

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>Also, I wanna say that Encores! PROMISES, PROMISES did not use his staging either, but I might be wrong on that one.<

Rob Marshall choreographed Promises, Promises for Encores. Some of his best theatre work, I think. He recreated Bennett's choreography for "Turkey Lurkey Time," though. (The program included the line, "For Michael" under the song listing for "Turkey Lurkey").

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Pretty soon, "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys" will be playing matinees in Spanish..
Sheesh....

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I, for one, am incredibly pumped about this revival. I'm not even a huge West Side Story fan, but I am so intrigued and excited by the idea of doing something like this. I think the translated lyrics can work wonders, and it would certainly freshen the entire piece up. and make it incredibly timely.

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Updated On: 10/23/08 at 09:06 AM

im sorry, but what would be wrong with a show playing matinees in spanish?

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When this production was first announced, there was a statement that new songs would be added to the score. "Officer Krupke" was supposed to be cut in favor of a new song called "We're F_cked". Does anyone know if they've scrapped this idea?

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Updated On: 10/23/08 at 12:40 PM

Really Dollypop? Am I falling for sarcasm or are you telling the truth? Haha

NEW songs in WSS. I don't know how I would feel about that!

As far as the Spanish is concerned, I think it's a wonderful idea. MOST people, even the non theatre going general public, know at least the BASIC lyrics to most songs from this show, so putting them in Spanish just adds a new poetry, in my opinion.

"A Boy Like That" is most exciting to me because it's such a personal song about tradition and pride and fear within one's race. I think it's gonna be stunning.

But, thaqt said, the casting still terrifies me.

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