Why is West Side Story the best musical?
Arguably, its greatest influence was in the theatricality of its presentation—the seamlessness and cinematic flow of its staging—and the integration of script, song, dance, and set. In its original Broadway run, West Side Story ran for 732 performances—a success, but not a smash hit.
What musicals did West Side Story inspire?
West Side Story is a musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It was inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet.
What is the musical elements of West Side Story?
The music has elements of opera, musical, jazz and Latin-American dance music. Something’s Coming is one of the well-known songs from West Side Story. Others include Somewhere, Maria and Tonight.
What is the moral of West Side Story?
While the story revolves around Tony and Maria and two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, the underlying themes dig deep into social issues that still resonate today. “They’re trapped in this world; in these cities, in these gangs – in this hate and discrimination and racism – and all that binds into one.”
Who was the composer of the song America in West Side Story?
Featured in the musical West Side Story, “America” has music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Stephen Sondheim questioned at the time whether he was the right person to write the lyrics. In an ironic twist, Leonard Bernstein’s music has a distinctive Spanish rhythm.
Why is West Side Story considered a musical?
Many people believe West Side Story is the pinnacle of musical theatre achievement, thanks to the way it blurred the lines between musical and opera. Coupled with Bernstein’s miraculous tunes, here’s how the genius composer managed to bridge the gap between musical theatre and opera:
What do you like about America in West Side Story?
Always the population growing . . . And the bullets flying. I like the island Manhattan. Smoke on your pipe and put that in! I like to be in America! O.K. by me in America! For a small fee in America! I like the city of San Juan.
Is the ARIA Maria from West Side Story Classical Music?
Yes, the catchy rhythms of ‘America’ from West Side Story are not considered to be classical music in the traditional sense, but even our very own John Suchet would argue that ‘Maria’ is an aria, and traditionalist or not, we all can agree the arias belong in the world of opera.
