West Side Story Revival?

Posted: 3/23/07 at 12:13am

It's been a while, but I seem to recall hearing that a West Side Story revival was planned for 2007 or 2008 by Jerry Mitchell. Obviously that's no longer the case, as I've heard nothing about it recently. Anyone have any news? Is it still being planned?

Posted: 3/23/07 at 10:22am

One can wish....

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 12:09pm

Thought this thread was about the 1980 revival at the Minskoff. LOVED IT! It was a carbon-copy recreation in every way of the original 1957 Broadway production.

Josie de Guzman and Debbie Allen were in it, and Brent Barrett was the Tony understudy.

Posted: 3/23/07 at 12:27pm

I saw the Debbie Allen Tony performance, sadly.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 12:43pm

Does anyone else think a re-working of this story, using more up-to-date ethnic groups as the warring Jets and Sharks would be more appropriate? (I was thinking Muslim and Jewish or something. Make a statement about the current state of affairs.)

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 12:51pm

NO!!!!

That would be horrible.

It's a period piece. It doesn't take place in 2007.

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 12:52pm

I don't think the piece would work if it were updated. Thugs don't tend to dance Jerome Robbins choreography. With some of the recent plays about urban life being so real and gritty, it would probably come off a little silly. And I don't think they need to be so obvious, it serves well as a metaphor.

[MovieGuy1031]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:07pm

a.k.a. West Bank Story, the Oscar-winning short film

But i'd love to see a revival!

[skingdom]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:09pm

neither can curtainpullerdowners.

skingdom out.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:10pm

On one hand, I would love to see an updated version, but on the other, I really wouldn't want them to change the music (which they would sort of have to if the Sharks were a different ethnicity).

[ABSteel]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:27pm

I agree with that WSS is a period piece. The title comes from the headlines that were published from the period. You don't see "West Side Story!" in the newspapers anymore.

And thugs never danced in the street. That's why it's called THEATRE.

[MovieGuy1031]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:31pm

Hmm... now who for the roles?

Eden Espinosa for Anita!
Ali Ewoldt for Maria? I think she's a little too... bland.
Tony? Riff? Bernardo?

Celia-Keenan Bolger for Anybodys!

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:32pm

And thugs never danced in the street. That's why it's called THEATRE - yes, I understand that. But it's really not the point.

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:34pm

No NO NO to Eden. She is absolutely wrong. This is a dance role, and requires a skillful actor. She has not proven to be either.

[MovieGuy1031]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:38pm

Heeeeello...

Well then... who?

[sidjones09]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:46pm

I have to say, since seeing A Chorus Line. Although I haven't seen him in anything else, that I think Tony Yazbeck would make a great Tony in WSS. He's done the role regionally. I would love to see him in that role on Broadway. His voice is amazing, and he definitely is the right type.

How about Natascia Diaz as Anita and Adam Jacobs as Bernardo?

I can't think of any big name ticket selling people that could pull these roles off.

*edited for spelling*

Updated On: 3/23/07 at 01:46 PM

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 1:47pm

I would like it to be a cast of unknowns. This show doesn't need "names" to carry it. It's a classic. Sometimes star-casting can take away from the overall production. I'm sure there are many young singers/dancers/actors that would be wonderful, and I think that is where you would bring a freshness to the material.
Updated On: 3/23/07 at 01:47 PM

[sidjones09]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 2:01pm

I agree bobby. I was trying to think in the mindset of a lot of producers and see if I could cast a huge name that COULD work in order to get some buzz and ticket sales going. But this show is so damn hard. You need true triple threats for most roles, and they all need to be on the top of their games in all three areas.

I hope they would find some fresh new talent, but I'm sure they're going to look at some money makers as well.

Posted: 3/23/07 at 2:06pm

Natalie Cortez as Anita!

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 2:15pm

I'm only familiar with Natalie from the ACL recording. I don't think her voice is gritty enough for Anita. I think she has a pretty voice, but it's not Anita. Not for me at least. I would go with complete unknowns. The show is the star.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 2:38pm

Last I heard, creative differences have put it on hold. That was a couple of months ago.

But since discussion of the revival started, I've heard that they very much want the cast age-appropriate and young.

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 2:46pm

Thanks Wickedrentq. That's good news.

[Julian2]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 4:21pm

I have a friend who goes to North Carolina School of the Arts. They're doing a BIG 50th anniversery production, which is supposedly going to Ravina, and there are, apparently, Broadway rumors.

[musicalfandukie]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 4:24pm

a revival would be awesome! wish it would happen:)

[C is for Company]

Posted: 3/23/07 at 4:27pm

Pull Paul McGill out of Chorus Line, he'd be the perfect Baby John.