My wife and I saw West Side Story (with only 1 other person in the theater) at a Monday matinee on a big screen with great sound, lounging on recliners. 

I remember being taken to the Robert Wise directed WSS by my parents in 1961 at the “old” huge Syosset Panavision Cinema.  I remember enjoying the gang stuff and the fighting.  The colors were vibrant and I thought that Natalie Wood was very cute.  I did not fully appreciate the music, then. Through the years, I came to love the Bernstein music as it was played by orchestras and jazz bands.  I saw a mediocre revival of the play in 1980 which earned Debbie Allen a Tony award.  And, I watched the movie with my kids in the 90’s as sort of a chore.  But, I must admit I was looking forward to this version by Steven Spielberg. 

I heard about some of the tweaks made by the screenwriter, Tony Kushner, to make the film’s conflict between the Jets and Sharks more realistic.  Reading that Stephen Sondheim, the lyricist of the songs, gave the film his strong approval was a strong vote of confidence for me.  And, knowing that Rita Moreno, an original in the film, had a part in the movie made me curious.  She is 90 years old!

I don’t want to spoil much because going in as fresh as possible is always a plus.  The key takeaway is that Spielberg has a genius vision and pulled it off.  Making a “trite” known to all story fresh and vibrant is a challenge.  He had the Bernstein music as an incredible foundation!

(Don’t leave after the film ends-10 minutes of the beautiful music by the NY Philharmonic plays over the credits).

The songs are delivered well by many talented singers.  The dancers and the choreographers are out of this world.  The story has been updated and is more sensitive to the real issues of urban development in the 50’s and 60’s.  And, the allusions to our world today are raised well. Seeing the New York City of those times, recreated, on the big screen was great.  All of the highlights of the past, the playground fights, the gym dance, and the fire escape are all brought to life creatively. And, Rita Moreno has a significant part in the movie and pulls it off with charm and depth.

I recommend getting to the theater to enjoy it the way it should be seen.  Even back in 1961, my parents knew that West Side Story should be seen on a big screen.  I missed them on Monday.

What are your West Side Story memories? And will you see at a theater?