WEST SIDE STORY - FRESH TAKE ON AN AMERICAN CLASSIC

[LaMisereHQ]

Each musical has its focal points/strengths. For WSS, it definitely lies in choreography + music w/ original orchs. Not sure if JR's choreography was used here but cast's infectious energy goes a long way.

But, to be fair to the original + subsequent revivals, WSS never was a scenic spectacle and never much more elaborate than this. The use of multi-colored doors here is directly taken from the original production, so is the use of movable stairs. Still, congrats to this cast and director.

[groverd]

@LaMisereHQ I played 'Snowboy' in the original B'way production, and there were no movable stairs or graffiti-covered doors used. The scenic approach seen here is nothing like the original.

[LaMisereHQ]

@groverd There were a series of multi-colored doors in original. It's cool when elements of original are incorporated into a new take. Here's a picture of the original, showing partial view of said doors behind Chita Rivera & the other dancer. Apologies if it seemed I was implying the director is lying about his original approach--not at all. I just pointed out similarities. I wouldn't have said congrats if that were the case, hehe.

[LaMisereHQ]

@LaMisereHQ Oops, forgot to post the link to the photo.

Double oops, so u can't post links in the comments section, eh? Grrr.

If you want to see the picture, go to Life.com; enter "Chita Rivera" in the "Find Photos" field on the top left; you'll see a "Chita Rivera Photos" section containing 193 pictures. The pic I'm referring to features dancers Chita Rivera and Liane Plane during the number "America," click last page of results--pg. 34 and it should be the last pic there.

[groverd]

@cassielombardo Thanks Cassie...it's been in my blood for 53 years...it was good to get it out...and up on a stage!

[vivanigirl]

i watched it in bremen, it was just WOW!

[Kaileo1]

Hmmm..... great production, but Tony seems a bit chunky, eh?

[slickqfoo22]

though it's true you don't need a huge budget to make a show look good, it's all on the performers, who are great in this video. having a minimal set makes the audience focus primarily on the actors and their performance. either way, big set or no set at all, that actors make a show look good. great video.

[skeever]

Hear hear. Grover knows this show inside and out and can stage it beautifully. No set is needed is the actors are great.

[greenemerald152]

where is this?

[groverd]

Carpenter Hall in Irving, Texas...just outside of Dallas.

[conewells]

Dude, how'd you pull off the camwork w/o being caught?

[groverd]

I asked for permission first...

[efdoit]

Hey Grover, we just went through our 4 days of auditions, we have some pretty talented kids in the DFW area, still looking for a couple more Sharks but I think the cast will be pretty incredible, rehearsals start next week and I'm stoked, I'll keep you posted!!!

Eddie

[stephaniedfw]

I saw this production at the Irving Arts Center and LOVED it! Thank you, Grover, for putting this up so everyone can see the top-quality theater provided in DFW for locals. Tyler Donahue is one of my very good friends... what a voice!

[groverd]

Tyler's day-to-day growth as an actor was fascinating to watch. He's a winner. No doubt about it.

[thenotoriousadin]

gonna c it tomorrow!

[Improvnewsie35]

Brilliant.

[xoEmily]

Wow, absolutely loved it.

[groverd]

When the bones are magnificent, any kind of skin works.

Love live West Side Story!

[HeyYou711]

I just saw this, well not this, the real Braodway show in the city(NYC) saterday and it was gREAT!!! I recommend you all to see it!! I see in this video they changed a few things! :D

[thegmanofEAP]

loosk cool. Usually I hate dumbed down theater stuff, but this still mantains the feel. You dont have to know the show to know teh stuff. Pretty cool.

[groverd]

Go ahead, Eddie...do your version and post it on YouTube. Don't forget to let me know when it's up!

Good luck!

[efdoit]

Grover, so good to see this on youtube, I had the best experience assisting you, I will be choreographing this show in June and hope to use the knowledge I gained while working with you, I hope I do you proud!!! WWS was my first show to perform in so it has always had sentimental values for me. I'm still talking to people about how great this show was and say only one word about it....perfection. Thanks for allowing me to learn from you. Take care!

Eddie

"An Assistant..."

[groverd]

Philip Groft played Riff. He showed up at an open call for ensemble dancers in New York. I was one happy director that day.

[BEVERYCUMMINS]

Anyone going to be there today on Feb 23 2009 as it previews on Broadway please post on you tube. Will be watching movie in honor of it .

[atla18]

i hope i get the chance to go see that revival myself.

And on the subject, this looks like it came out REALLY well. As already stated, your Riff seems amazing. I wish I could have seen the production. Live or on film.

[tar4w]

I am so sad I missed this. I was in a show at this time so I didn't get to go and see it!

but I heard it was amazing from half of my school (I go to school with one of the cast member, Lilli) and this is proof that they were right!

FANTASTIC!!!! great job!!!

[groverd]

Your friend Lilli was a perfect "anybodys." And a joy to work with. Thanks for the praise.

[xtayx001]

i would've turned riff's microphone up..

[groverd]

You're right. We did all we could with the limited footage we were given. Someday...when the bucks start flowing...we know where to use 'em...

[Selendomono]

wow i would have paid big money to see this

[groverd]

Ahh. Music to my ears...thank you.

[tenexe]

excellent, wish i was out in texas to see it.

[NomiMalone4]

brilliant

[groverd]

As director, I'm grateful for the compliments, but I gotta tell ya what was really special about this production. It was the kids...and the way they used the material they were given. From day one, there was strength and freedom in the room. Feeling at home with both, they went the whole darn distance. I'm so friggin' proud of them.

[BennySings]

Im dying to be in a WSS production, and this one looks pretty f'in amazing. Well done!

[groverd]

Uh-oh. Should we cancel our tickets? Or should we go now and rev 'em up a bit?

[PaulCohenIsAStar]

I just saw the new Bway bound production in DC and was underwhelmed... This production looks like it has much more fun & energy!

[diroman114]

This Riff is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[groverd]

I agree. His name is Philip Groft and we discovered him in an open call for dancers in New York.

[groverd]

Tyler,

Between you and me, I quietly enjoyed watching the growth you experienced day by day. The Mouthpiece you created was something you can always be proud of. You're a grower, what can I tell you?

[tylerdonahue]

Grover, Thanks so much for this video! It brings back great memories. Thanks once again for the opportunity and your confidence in me (and the Dallas theatre community.) This was a once-in-a-liftetime experience thanks to all involved, and I'm very proud to have been even a small part of it. Have a wonderful new year in 2009.

Tyler D. (aka Mouthpiece)

[johnm001]

Thanks for sharing that. It's wonderful.

One of these days I'd like to "hear" your stories about the drama that is "Seesaw"! Which I saw, by the way, with Lanie, before all the nonsene!

[groverd]

At least 10 stories popped up. I can't even begin to tell them...but I realize, more than ever, I've got to confront my resistance to writing the book I haven't written....!!!!

[johnm001]

Well, I'm buying it. Happy New Year!

[groverd]

Gotta share a personal thrill: Leonard Bernstein's daughter (Jamie) just emailed her reaction to the vid: "WOW! That looked great. The dancing was so tight and articulate (no surprise). Its clear you did a superb job..."

Jamie Bernstein

[groverd]

Your thoughts mean a lot to me. To tell the truth, I stopped staging musicals 20 years ago and went into community service. This opportunity pulled me back in. Words can't describe how much the experience gave me. If my dream of staging an international tour comes through, you'll be among the first to hear about it. BTW: If you saw the original Bway production ('57-59) you probably saw me in it. I played "Snowboy" for 2 years.

[newsmaninla]

Having worked off-off-Broadway in my mis-spent youth I am always amazed with what a good director can do when he has little budget but talented and dedicated people to work with. This is a truly great example of minimal being the maximum. My congratulations to you and all involved. If you ever repeat it here in "The City of Angels" I can assure you that my wife and I will be in the audience. This show is close to my heart because its the first Broadway musical I ever saw.

[dramaguy3506]

Wow, I wish I could have seen this!!!!

[groverd]

Thanks...y'never know what might happen. Truth is, this job dropped in my lap. The same could happen with another production...

[groverd]

MORE COMMENTS:

Thanks for sharing that clip with us! I'm never surprised at the extent of your talent! It's already been viewed in France and Italy and Hong Kong!

Mindy Garza

Loved the footage. Thank you.

Oh yes, that's what it's supposed to look like.

Bill Cox

It just has your strong exciting touch all over itjust glorioussend to some students please!

Carole D. (the original Velma)

[groverd]

Within 10 hours of broadcasting these comments came in:

GREAT! YOU ADDED TO PERFECTION

Mickey Callin (the original Riff)

Beautiful work! The editing really portrayed it well, too, Grover. What an amazing experience!

Tonya Kay

Great! I think this production is going to prove to be better than the B'way revival. You are a genius! - Stephen J.