West Side Story

[Ronnie Burden]

Posted: 3/4/17 at 12:55pm

Hi, I have an essay on historical context of west side story.

Here are the heading I have to write about:

•-background

•-performed at the time first came out

•-influenced them being written/ performed

 

any help?

thanks,

[cknick]

Posted: 3/4/17 at 1:13pm

This book might be helpful.  I used the chapter on Cabaret when I did the show a few years ago and it was very informative. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0435086995/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=136Y5GVUU4041&coliid=I3HFDQRWCEQM07

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 3/4/17 at 2:33pm

I am currently doing a production of this show and found this book very helpful. 

Something's Coming, Something Good: West Side Story and the American Imagination https://www.amazon.com/dp/155783766X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uzXUyb9DJXBB3

[daredevil]

Posted: 3/5/17 at 6:09pm

Leonard Bernstein wrote an article in the original program entitled Excerpts From a West Side Log. It details how he came to be involved with the musical and takes you up to the first rehearsal. See if you can find it on the internet. Also, there are three biographies of Jerome Robbins---each one goes into the creation of WSS in detail, and has interviews with dancers, co-workers and others involved in the creative process of the musical.