West Side Story ending question *spoiler*- Page 2

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 6/22/08 at 10:51pm

As others have pointed out, yes it was seriously considered that Maria would die.

But it was ultimately decided (I'm not entirely sure if it came from a specific person who pushed the idea, or whether it was just unanimously decided, though I'm leaning towards the latter) that Maria would live because she's too strong to die. They figured the tragedy remained, as she would have to go on living without Tony.

[Patash]

Posted: 6/22/08 at 11:09pm

I liked the ending where Maria gets pregnant with Officer Krupke's child.

[puppetman2]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:31am

When I saw the original Broadway production, the ending with Maria puttine the black scarf and following the combined Jets and Sharks carrying Tony's body off was breath taking. It was the only time I can remember the curtain falling and hearing the chain hit the stage floor and real silence before the applause started. It was like the whole audience was in mourning.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:48am

cONSIDERING THAT tONY DIES IN NO WAY SIMILAR TO THE DEATH OF rOMEO, THEY COULD DO WHATEVER THEY WANTED TO. iT'S NOT AS IF IT'S ACCURATE TO Shakespeare....

(sorry, to tired to retype. Damn capslock)

[friedrichVT]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 5:54am

Her living is much stronger. She basically shows a mirror to all and shows how prejudice and hate killed him. Her surviving shows a glimpse of promise for the future...the last trumpet blare of "Somewhere" as they carry Tony off,has as much hope as it does longing and sorrow...a beautiful moment.
Updated On: 6/23/08 at 05:54 AM

[sarla]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 6:20am

I'm sure I can remember reading that the decision was made for Maria to live was also because they were afraid the audience would find it too depressing if both their lead characters died. Having Maria die would push it too far, or something along those lines that sounds far more eloquent. I like wickedrentq's version better though...

[Jon]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 10:35am

Initially, Maria was going to shoot herself. Then, as Anita was cradling her, she was suddenly going to come back to life, saying, "I was in this tunnel of light, and I saw Bernardo - and she look GOOD!"