I’ve just watched West Side Story, possibly for the first time. I say possibly, because it’s a musical that I know really well. I grew up listening to the original soundtrack that my parents have on record, and more latterly I have the (good but not as good) Beinstein conducted cd, and through both I know the music really, really well – I’ve even played bits of it at band – but I don’t think, having seen it tonight, that I have actually ever seen it.
What can I say? It’ brilliant. Even thirty or more years later it is startlingly original. I simply love the ballet like dance routines of the Jets and the Sharks on the streets. It is quite simply, fantastic I love it.
I also, have realised again (I’ve realised this before) but I think even in these days of cd and internet downloadable music, my favourite has to be that of the vinyl record. There is simply something that cannot be beaten when it comes removing the shiny black disc from its paper sleeve and slipping it onto the turntable, cleaning the dust off it, swing the arm across, and gently, precisely lowering the needle and hearing the music come from those tiny, almost imperceptable grooves…
West Side Story is one of my favorites — I think it’s one of the best-written musicals out there. (Bernstein and Sondheim; how could you go wrong?) It’s not just appealling on a commercial level — it actually has beautiful lyrics, music, choreography, dialogue, etc. …
It definitely stands head and shoulders above the rest – at least of the made for film musicals. Have you ever sung Maria?