'West Side Story' Celebrates 50th Anniversary
By George Dwyer , Washington, 18 September 2007
from http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-09-18-voa52.cfm
American musical theater celebrates a major anniversary in 2007. Fifty years ago this month - on September 26,
1957 - "West Side Story" opened on Broadway. Based on William Shakespeare's famous tragedy "Romeo and
Juliet," "West Side Story" introduced a dramatically new approach to the music, dance motifs, and storytelling of
a stage musical. For producer George Dwyer, VOA's Jim Bertel reports on the golden anniversary reprise of an
authentic American classic.
[part 1] Set in the slums of New York City -- amidst the backdrop of 1950s-era ethnic gang warfare -- "West Side Story"
revolutionized American musical theater.
"In 1957 when it came out it was unlike anything that had ever been seen before," says Nathan Scherich, who co-stars in
an anniversary production of the now-legendary musical. He plays Tony, a young gang member who yearns for a better
life. "He wants out of the gang. He knows there is something else going on in life rather than gangs. And he does not
know quite what it is but then he gets to the dance at the gym and sees Maria for the first time that that is what he has
been looking for."[end of part 1]
[part 2] Actress Sarah Darling plays Maria. "She is a very young girl who has just moved to America -- she has only been
here for a month -- and she comes from a very protective family - over-protective really. And so she is just really anxious
to grow up and experience life in America." [...]
Darling enthusiastically says, "The music is so amazing. It is the best there is in musical theater, so the music will get you
as well."
The songs in "West Side Story" have left a deep mark on American culture. And today, half-a-century after it was first
staged, the production still has the power to connect with audiences. [end of part 2]
[part 3] Scherich remarks, "People are touched in different ways. Some of them are mad at the end, some of them are sad.
I mean, it affects people in different fashions."
Darling adds, "A lot of times in musical theater you end the show and everyone is just, 'Yea!' happy and excited. [But] in
this one their joy and their applause come from a place of being deeply moved. That's really rewarding for me, and,
hopefully, for them as well."
Credit for that goes partly to Shakespeare, of course -- his genius framed the basic story. But the combined genius of
American masters in music, dance, and theater production are what make "West Side Story" a modern-day classic of
unique and enduring delight.[end of part 3]
Watch the video:
http://www.voanews.com/mediaassets/english/2007_09/Video/wmv/WestSideStoryAnniversary_bb.wmv
Study the introduction:
1. Fill in the « who,where,when,what » grid with key-words or expressions from the text and then briefly recapitulate what
you understand.
Who
Study part 1
Where
When
What
2. Find words from the text corresponding to the following definitions.
a) ......................................An overcrowded and squalid district of a city or town usually inhabited by the very poor.
b) .....................................The background in a studio, usually made of cloth or paper.
c) ......................................A fight or armed combat among territorial or political groups.
d) ......................................different from.
e) ......................................To desire something very much, to crave.
f) ......................................To happen.
g) ......................................To try to locate or discover.
Study part 2
3. True or false: justify by quoting from the text.
a) Maria's parents are cool, they let her do what she wants to.
b) Maria is American.
c) In the USA, everybody knows West Side Story.
d) West Side Story was created one hundred years ago.
e) West Side Story is very successful and popular , even today.
Study part 3
4. What do the following sentences mean?
a) « It affects people in different fashions » means.....
o The reaction of people to West Side Story depends on each person's character.
o West Side Story launched a new clothing style.
o West Side Story makes people ill or sick.
b) « That's deeply rewarding: » means:
o The movie got several oscars
o It is very sad
o The main feeling is one of satisfacton
c) « His genius framed the basic story » means:
o Shakespeare originally wrote West Side Story
o West ide Story is based on Shakespeare's story
o West Side Story is famous thanks to Shakespeare's genius.
d)« A modern day classic of unique and enduring delight » means:
o West Side Story is based on classical music and people love it
o West Side Stoy is one of the most appreciated stories in modern America
o West Side Story is a very hard story about modern society
After reading
5. Tell the class what you know about « Romeo and Juliet ».
Writing:
6 . Would you like to see the movie « West Side Story? » Why or why not? (120 words)
A few hints to help you ...
Introduction:
 Try to answer try to answer these questions indirectly: « What is West Side Story? »
 Say what the main thesis / idea of your essay is.
Development:
 Identify two or three main reasons why you would or would not like to see the film using information from the text and
personal opinion.
 Hierarchize these ideas and write 2 or 3 short but distinct paragraphs, using linking words such as « to begin with, / first etc./
Moreover, In addition, Furthermore , etc. »
 Express your personal opinion: « as far as I'm concerned, to me, personally, I think, etc. »
Conclusion:
 Rephrase your thesis and try to raise another issue or question.