WEST SIDE STORY first preview reviews! — Page 3

The costumes are flat out terrible. The really need fixed. It is hard to tell what time period the show is set in. It look like someone went to Target or Old Navy to outfit the Jets. Riff has a bright orange t-shirt that is distracting and should go. Plus Tony needs to be more dressed up when he goes to the dance. Right now he is wearing jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt type top.

The female costumes are much more appropriate and eye-catching.

Yes, the surtitles are gone completely.

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Updated On: 2/24/09 at 12:44 AM

I saw this production in DC and I'm thrilled it has improved. I'm sad i won't get to see the Broadway run.

However, I do wish they changed ABLT to english. I agree Karen's deliever is stunning. One of the most powerful moments in the entire production (that and her taunting scene). However, I felt it could be even more powerful in English because it would be more accesible. I felt distanced because of the Spanish.

Updated On: 3/17/09 at 02:18 AM

I speak no spanish at all and I did not find it distracting. In fact, I loved ABLT in Spanish. The power of the emotions was so huge that you get the point and yes, I think it makes it more authentic. Just think of it as Opera.

Then again, I didn't think Cody was bad at all either so what do I know? I thought he played the "cool" and collected leader perfectly. I also thought Karen Olivo danced a storm, so again, I seem to be in the minority/positive outlook here.

(On the other hand, as much as I love this new WSS, Hair (at least in the Park) was a stronger show and if I had to pick between the two, Hair wins by a small margin).

As for the rush discussion, Rent started out GENERAL rush. not just student rush. Anybody could have done it. Most rushes started out that way, only in the last few years have they all seemed to make it only for students.

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Does Curtis Holbrook still do the thing with the nightstick a the end of "Gee Officer Krupke?" And can we have more details on the new staging for this song?

Thanks

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Merchandise available? T-shirts reading "I feel pretty" ? A plastic switchblade with "A boy like that" written on the handle? American and Puerto Rican flags in the lobby? ...Just wonderin'.

"What's the lotto doing? Just helping old ladies get better seats? "

What an immature statement. How do you know these ladies are not living on a fixed income? And honestly, what difference does it make? Why should cheap seats be only for students? There are plenty of people well over college age who can't afford full price tickets. And I'm sure there are many college students who partake in student rush who could actually afford full price tickets (thanks to mom and dad and trust funds). Especially in this econonmy, everyone is looking for a bargain. The lottery does not go by income level or net worth ... it is for anyone and everyone who wants to participate. Sounds like you're just bitter that you didn't win, and acting as if these ladies took your tickets away from you. Just wait til you're a senior citizen and see how you feel then.

Thanks, shesamarshmallow!!!! I am so excited to buy both.

for anyone who has sen this production
....is America performed with the women only or with women and men like in the movie? just curious

I agree completely with dramamama611 and WestVillage. Did you assume they could pay full price because they were dressed nice? I've got news for you kid - that's the way it was ALWAYS done, for years and years. You always dressed in your finest to attend the theatre. Do you have any idea of just how stupid and immature you sound when you make idiotic statments like that?

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They had a red knit winter hat if that's what you're talking about. I didn't notice a red baseball cap though.

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Sorry to all that were "offended," but I stand by my statement. And Tom's Cat, yes I know you're suppose to "dress up" for the theater. I'm not a complete dumb ass, but I was just angry at the time when I wrote that. I in no way retract my statement because I still think it's true, but whatever. To each his own.

And I'm excited to see this production, but now I just have to save up a few more weeks before I can afford it since the lotto is going to be a mad house.

So even if the boys' costumes still suck, they did fix the Jet girls' dresses/skirts?

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