Why is West Side Story so popular?
Why is West Side Story so popular?
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.
Is Tony a Jet or Shark?
The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang’s leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks.
Does West Side Story have words?
In tune with its edgy subject matter, Stephen Sondheim intended for West Side Story to be the first ever Broadway production to use the f-word. However, on realizing that this would limit the distribution of the show’s soundtrack, it was replaced with the slightly bizarre insult, “Krup you!”.
Is West Side Story an opera?
It also draws heavily from themes in Romeo and Juliet: there are two rival gangs on the streets of New York, two families at war, two lovers, one drawn from each family. So like South Pacific, West Side Story can be considered an opera in parts, and musical theatre in others.
Which musical has the record for the longest running musical?
The Phantom of the Opera
List
| # | Title | Performances |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The Phantom of the Opera | 13,370 |
| 2. | Chicago (1996 revival) | 9,692 |
| 3. | The Lion King | 9,302 |
| 4. | Cats | 7,485 |
Is West Side Story kid friendly?
The show is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Why do the Sharks and Jets hate each other?
The Jets hate the Sharks because the Sharks are trying to take the Jets’ land. The Sharks hate the Jets because of racial insults and profiling. It wasn’t uncommon back then for different races to hate each other.
Were any sharks really Puerto Ricans?
4. Bad: Most of the Sharks were played by non-Latinx actors. Maria and Bernardo are Puerto Rican, but Natalie Wood and George Chakiris, the actors who played them, are not Latinx.
Who killed Tony in West Side Story?
Chino
Tony – Shot by Chino as revenge for Bernardo’s death. Chino was later arrested by Officer Krupke.
What kind of music does the band Sharks play?
The rock is more melodic, with the guitarist Spedding alternating between swamp-blues (“Killer On The New Tube”) and sharp rockabilly (“Can’t Get The Devil”). Sharks themselves have been filming their 21st century revival for a documentary feature to be entitled One Last Thrill.
Who was the lead singer of the Sharks?
On October 8, 2009, lead singer Sam (Lugar) Rawhauser died of lung cancer, disbanding the band. The Sharks have been performing with Sam’s son singing lead vocals.
Is there a documentary about the band Sharks?
Sharks themselves have been filming their 21st century revival for a documentary feature to be entitled One Last Thrill. In June 2017, they released a six-minute promo clip of the film through the Vive Le Rock website. Music Breakout (produced in 1974, but unissued.
When did the band Sharks tour the UK?
In January & February 1973, Sharks embarked on a UK tour, playing clubs and universities. To promote the band, whilst touring, Chris Spedding customized his Pontiac Le Mans, fitting a shark fin on the roof and fibreglass teeth on the grill. On 19 February 1973, on the way back to London from a gig in Cleethorpes, the car skidded and hit a tree.
