West Side Story (2019)

Could it be? Yes it could. Something’s coming, something good? Well you won't have to wait, because we’re here tonight with our first revival, West Side Story!

Warning: There is mention of attempted sexual assault in this episode, so if that’s something that you’d like to skip, that occurs at 35:00-37:30.

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If you want to find out more about the Amar Ramasar controversy and protests, this article is a good place to start: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/19/theater/west-side-story-amar-ramasar.html

Ben Brantley's review of this revival for the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/theater/west-side-story-review-sharks-vs-jets-vs-video.html
And for a completely different take, David Rooney's review for Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/west-side-story-theater-1280016

This production uses the film version of "America", which can be seen with Rita Moreno as Anita: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e2igZexpMs
Alternatively, the stage version can be seen with Karen Olivo as Anita in 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6wMQM5FVck

Still not sure how to feel about the changes in this production? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process:
New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/magazine/west-side-story.html
60 Minutes: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/west-side-story-broadway-behind-scenes-60-minutes-60-minutes-2020-02-16/

Since there's been no announcement of a new cast recording (yet), Isaac Powell's rendition of "Something Coming" can be heard at the end of our episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS2VXgKwmvQ

All other music in this episode comes from the 1957 Broadway cast recording and the 1961 film soundtrack.

Original Broadway Cast Album
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/west-side-story-original-broadway-cast-recording/186302499
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3knRTstKrILa8wx8IGGqn6

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/west-side-story-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/394303992
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1kA4RO70idrEQkOX3zlRfa 

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