Esos fueron los que realmente le abrieron paso a la obra en Broadway, aún con los 50 años transcurridos brillan con luz propia. Y como siempre una boricua entre ellos Chita Rivera. Que emoción volver a escuchar West Side Story desde Puerto Rico. Mi favorita de toda la vida.
hey groverd, im a big fan, i was just wondering if any 1957 footage existed of u and the wss cast?? ive seen the ed sullivan one, but found nothing else....
ps, do u remember chitas performance as anita being as great as they say? id love to find footage of her too.
That is my beautiful acting teacher Carole D'Andrea original Velma Bdway, Graziella in the film that gets emotional. She is the blonde lady wearing the lilac shirt with a black sweatshirt . So emotional.
Carole D'Andrea was absolutely iconic in that role both on Broadway and in the movie. She helped define the movie; I don't think she's gotten the recognition she deserves. When you think of WSS, you ALWAYS think of that character and she was brilliant.
What a joy. This is what youtube exists for; to share an experience with many, like me, who could not be there but dream of a night like this. Thank you.
Grover -- Thank you for posting this. It took me back to the night our entire high school English class saw the show and met all of you. A night of magic that's still with me. -- Bill P.
Wow that's just awesome! I'm playing/dancing/singing West Side Story with an acting school in Holland, I play Bernardo. Loved to see the 'veterans' dancing Gym. Thanks for this video!
My pleasure, Wayne. I'm so grateful and comforted by the words that have surfaced here, I may decide to just stare at this page for a few more minutes. Mmm.
To see Chita, Carol, Reri and so many others together again left me weeping at a most precious experience in my life 50 years ago. If only dear Larry Kert had been able to be part of this.
Actually, I do know what you mean. By coincidence I am a (real) psychic and, well, you can figure the rest from there (I don't charge for what I do; I don't think it would work if I did). For everyone who was part of "West Side Story," know you are a part of living history which has lost no lustre in those 50 years. When the new production opens the legacy will be even more appreciated and reach new generations (though I think every generation knows the show). Thank you for writing.
This week, tickets for the 2009 revival of "West Side Story" went on sale for $120 each. In 1957, you could buy the best seat in the house (original production) for $7.25.
that was really hard trying not to cry during Reri Grist singing somewhere! i just finished playing her part a few weeks ago and loved every minute of it! ur amazing! thank you so much for doing the show and giving me a show to perform in (although no where near as good as the original lol) xxxxxxxxxx
Im not in showbusiness, know none of the people in this clip personally but like millions of fans, have adored West Side Story for years. This is so wonderful and dignified and above all else so full of real, touching, bittersweet emotion. it's a treasure. Does anyone know the name of the exquisite black woman who sings "There's A Place For Us", she is heartbreakingly moving. And lets make Chita President and Queen and Mayor and Woman of The Year. Chita rules.
Yes, her name is Reri Grist and she played Frasquita in the original production. She would sing Somewhere from down in the pit during the show. Grist went on to have a succesful opera career and lived in Germany for a long time.
5 months ago I was watching this and admiring what a wonderful person Chita was and wishing I could have the chance meet her, and last night I got the chance! I went to see The Visit, in Arlington Virginia, and I met her, talked to her and took a picture with her after the show.She's exactly who you think she is! She's incredible, I ADORE HER! :-)
wow!! So you played Snowboy in the original, it would mean the world if you replied to this comment...
SalamenceJr 1 month ago
Esos fueron los que realmente le abrieron paso a la obra en Broadway, aún con los 50 años transcurridos brillan con luz propia. Y como siempre una boricua entre ellos Chita Rivera. Que emoción volver a escuchar West Side Story desde Puerto Rico. Mi favorita de toda la vida.
Monchito49 2 years ago
Très émouvant, les témoins d'une grande histoire...
LUCAS70352 2 years ago
hey groverd, im a big fan, i was just wondering if any 1957 footage existed of u and the wss cast?? ive seen the ed sullivan one, but found nothing else....
ps, do u remember chitas performance as anita being as great as they say? id love to find footage of her too.
powerfulpowerzz 2 years ago
That is my beautiful acting teacher Carole D'Andrea original Velma Bdway, Graziella in the film that gets emotional. She is the blonde lady wearing the lilac shirt with a black sweatshirt . So emotional.
Kghrt 2 years ago
Carole D'Andrea was absolutely iconic in that role both on Broadway and in the movie. She helped define the movie; I don't think she's gotten the recognition she deserves. When you think of WSS, you ALWAYS think of that character and she was brilliant.
magjfamily 2 years ago
I totally agree.
Kghrt 2 years ago
What a joy. This is what youtube exists for; to share an experience with many, like me, who could not be there but dream of a night like this. Thank you.
thinairpro 2 years ago
Grover -- Thank you for posting this. It took me back to the night our entire high school English class saw the show and met all of you. A night of magic that's still with me. -- Bill P.
newsmaninla 2 years ago
Wow that's just awesome! I'm playing/dancing/singing West Side Story with an acting school in Holland, I play Bernardo. Loved to see the 'veterans' dancing Gym. Thanks for this video!
tominoz 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
It says it's no longer available? :c(
ErsatzWino 3 years ago
My pleasure, Wayne. I'm so grateful and comforted by the words that have surfaced here, I may decide to just stare at this page for a few more minutes. Mmm.
groverd 3 years ago
To see Chita, Carol, Reri and so many others together again left me weeping at a most precious experience in my life 50 years ago. If only dear Larry Kert had been able to be part of this.
waynebrasler 3 years ago
Believe me, Larry was there, as he is in any West Side experience that brings us back together. It's a family thing. Y'know what I mean?
groverd 3 years ago
Actually, I do know what you mean. By coincidence I am a (real) psychic and, well, you can figure the rest from there (I don't charge for what I do; I don't think it would work if I did). For everyone who was part of "West Side Story," know you are a part of living history which has lost no lustre in those 50 years. When the new production opens the legacy will be even more appreciated and reach new generations (though I think every generation knows the show). Thank you for writing.
waynebrasler 3 years ago
This week, tickets for the 2009 revival of "West Side Story" went on sale for $120 each. In 1957, you could buy the best seat in the house (original production) for $7.25.
groverd 3 years ago
wow, i just realized that grover, you posted this! can't wait to see what else you have on you tube
you're one of my heroes!
jjaniero 3 years ago
oh my god, that was one of the most beautiful incredible things i have ever seen in my life
plus a genuine post from grover dale!
i lived and breathed west side story as a girl - now i'm in wss heaven
jjaniero 3 years ago
that was really hard trying not to cry during Reri Grist singing somewhere! i just finished playing her part a few weeks ago and loved every minute of it! ur amazing! thank you so much for doing the show and giving me a show to perform in (although no where near as good as the original lol) xxxxxxxxxx
christinedaae87 3 years ago
Oh my God. Grover Dale? On Youtube? You're like... a huge deal!
Marcatissimo 3 years ago
Im not in showbusiness, know none of the people in this clip personally but like millions of fans, have adored West Side Story for years. This is so wonderful and dignified and above all else so full of real, touching, bittersweet emotion. it's a treasure. Does anyone know the name of the exquisite black woman who sings "There's A Place For Us", she is heartbreakingly moving. And lets make Chita President and Queen and Mayor and Woman of The Year. Chita rules.
antod11 3 years ago 2
Yes, her name is Reri Grist and she played Frasquita in the original production. She would sing Somewhere from down in the pit during the show. Grist went on to have a succesful opera career and lived in Germany for a long time.
naters81 3 years ago
5 months ago I was watching this and admiring what a wonderful person Chita was and wishing I could have the chance meet her, and last night I got the chance! I went to see The Visit, in Arlington Virginia, and I met her, talked to her and took a picture with her after the show.She's exactly who you think she is! She's incredible, I ADORE HER! :-)
broadwaybabee 3 years ago
Are you Snowboy?
knighsplume 4 years ago
Yep. Even thogh I was Snowboy 51 years ago... he's still in my bones.....that Robbins guy can
sure beat it into you.
groverd 4 years ago
You are soo awesome!
knighsplume 3 years ago
it's wicked to watch Chita and Lisa dance so close together....it's like Me and My Shadow!
ryanglitter 4 years ago
Me and My Shadow? Think about this...Lisa was in her mama's belly when Chita performed the show! Now, at the age of 49, she's dancing alongside her!
groverd 4 years ago
thank you for sharing this.
DrIcaro 4 years ago
The end of this was so incredibly moving!!! I just love Chita Rivera... she seems like the kind of person that just exudes love and humor.
What an amazing video!
broadwaybabee 4 years ago
You're right...Chita is someone we can all aspire to...
groverd 4 years ago