It was the holiday season of 1961, and everyone was racing to the see the newest “picture show” called West Side Story, a story of love across boundaries. As a result, the “musical that grows younger” received rave reviews and won 10 Academy Awards (according to IMDB). It also grossed well over $40 million.
Have you ever been curious as to what the cast members of this story of gang rivalry and romance are up to today?
In one of the latest titles published by Outskirts Press, Our Story Jets and Sharks Then and Now, twelve cast members share how they were chosen, details of the audition experience, and how each of them fit the vision of Director Jerome Robbins. They also share what they’re up to — 50 years later.
An Anonymous IMDB user sums up West Side Story in the following manner:
“West Side Story is the award winning adaptation of the classic romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs- the white Jets led by Riff and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo. Their hatred escalates to a point where neither can coexist with any form of understanding. But when Riff’s best friend (and former Jet) Tony and Bernardo’s younger sister Maria meet at a dance, no one can do anything to stop their love. Maria and Tony begin meeting in secret, planning to run away. Then the Skarks and Jets plan a rumble under the highway – whoever wins gains control of the streets. Maria sends Tony to stop it, hoping it can end the violence. It goes terribly wrong, and before the lovers know what’s happened, tragedy strikes and doesn’t stop until the climactic and heartbreaking ending.”
Here’s the original trailer from the film:
Never seen the infamous film, West Side Story? If not, it is playing in theaters nationwide, but one night only – tonight. Purchase your tickets now.
Our Story Jets and Sharks Then and Now is available for 10% off in the Outskirts Press Wholesale Bookstore. You can learn more about this title and others at: http://outskirtspress.com/bookstore.
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Real nice style and excellent subject matter, very little else we want :
D.