|
|
WEST SIDE STORY Widely considered as a masterpiece of the America Musical Theater the movie version of West Side Story is among the most faithful of Hollywood adaptations. Leonard Bernstein's music, Jerome Robbins’ choreography, the story by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics combine to transform William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet into the language and temper of the streets in the '50's of New York City. The musical, written and performed, opens with an overview of the setting, in Manhattan, and continues with a danced prologue indicating the tension between the Sharks, a gang of young Puerto Ricans, and the Jets, an American street gang. The head of the Jets, Riff swears to drive out the Sharks, lead by Bernardo, from the streets to claim a small ‘turf’ in the West Side of Manhattan (Jet Song). Riff is determined to challenge Bernardo during the next dance, and asks his old friend and the co-founder of the Jets, Tony, to help him. Time has pulled Tony away from the gang, and makes him feel other emotions but agrees. (Something’s Coming) The actual drama takes place in the evening of two successive days. When during the dance the Jets and Tony surprisingly assemble with the Sharks and Maria, Bernardo’s sister. Between Maria, who is promised to marry Chino, a member of the sharks, and Tony there is Love at first site. (Maria).
|
