Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); with Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works); and introducing Rachel Zegler (Maria.) Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also served as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score, Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and GRAMMY®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who serves as executive music producer for the film.

The film is produced by Spielberg, p.g.a., Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger, p.g.a. and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum.“West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show. Original choreography by Jerome Robbins, based on the stage play, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, play conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein.

From 20th Century Studios, The Walt Disney Company will release “West Side Story” in Australian cinemas Boxing Day, 2021.

www.facebook.com/20thCenturyStudiosAUNZ/

When the curtain arose, it was easy to get lost in the pure verve of the cast of West Side Story. The opening dance number was so energetic, it felt like they too were revelling in their ability to share such a communal experience. With a play so well known they had to bring their A-game and that they did.

Most know the storyline already, so it was up to the creators to produce a unique approach. The mix of pure athleticism of the dance numbers and quality of voice on display gave this retelling a vibrant and contemporary feel. Also worthy of note were the fresh arrangements of those classic songs and supportive score.

For those missing live theatre, this presentation satisfies on many levels. Its production values are superlative and the talent of the cast is exemplary. This production of West Side Story helped provide the basis of a much welcomed night out on the town. Its intended four-week run provides an uncommon opportunity with things being the way they are, so don’t miss the chance by putting it off until the last minute.
Roh Hudson

West Side Story
23 July – 22 August 2021
Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au

Leading ladies Sophie Salvesani (Maria) and Angelina Thomson (Anita) alongside fellow Queenslanders Jade Coutts, Grace Driscoll, Sebastien Golenko and Jake O’Brien will join the next generation of musical theatre stars in the production which will open in Brisbane on 24 July, following a season at Crown in Perth.

Considered one of the greatest pieces of musical theatre ever written, this 2021 production will also feature Nigel Huckle as Tony, Temujin Tera as Bernado and Noah Mullins in the role of Riff accompanied by a live orchestra.

A modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet; West Side Story tells the tale of two young people whose happiness is destroyed by the hate of two enemy camps in New York City’s urban jungle. The “Jets”, sons of previous immigrants to America, battle the new arrivals from Puerto Rico, the “Sharks”, for domination of the streets.

With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story includes some of the most loved songs in musical history – Maria, Tonight, America, I Feel Pretty and the achingly-beautiful Somewhere. This vibrant stage production also features Jerome Robbins’ dazzling original choreography, as fresh as it has ever been in this epic staging of one of the greatest love stories ever told.

West Side Story is a MASTERPIECE!

West Side Story
23 July – 22 August 2021
Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also serves as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score; Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and Grammy®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who served as executive music producer for the film. The film is produced by Spielberg, Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show, with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

From 20th Century Studios, The Walt Disney Company will release “West Side Story” in Australian cinemas on December 9, 2021.

www.facebook.com/20thCenturyStudiosAUNZ

An undisputed and timeless masterpiece, West Side Story features an unforgettable score and songs that have been adored for generations, including “Maria”, “Tonight”, “Somewhere”, “America” and “I Feel Pretty”. This iconic dance musical remains one of the most poignant stage works of the 20th century.

This vibrant stage production features Jerome Robbins’ dazzling original choreography, as fresh as it has ever been in this epic staging of one of the greatest love stories ever told.

Book today for this unmissable theatrical event.

West Side Story
23 July – 22 August 2021
Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au

An undisputed and timeless masterpiece, West Side Story features an unforgettable score and songs that have been adored for generations, including “Maria”, “Tonight”, “Somewhere”, “America” and “I Feel Pretty”. This iconic dance musical remains one of the most poignant stage works of the 20th century.

This vibrant stage production features Jerome Robbins’ dazzling original choreography, as fresh as it has ever been in this epic staging of one of the greatest love stories ever told.

Book today for this unmissable theatrical event.

“The lyrics and music still blaze a trail like shooting stars in the musical theatre night sky.” The Sydney Morning Herald

“Still as gloriously fresh, relevant and thrilling as ever.” Time Out, UK

West Side Story
Check back in soon for further dates and details
QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au