See it if to see a brilliantly re-imagined WSS for the 21st C that breathes new life into (but maintains the integrity of) one of the all-time greats.
Don't see it if "I Feel Pretty" is your favorite song; u expect a conventional revival [This ain't your grandma's WSS!]; u oppose the controversial casting. Read more
See it if Interested in seeing a gritty, ambitious, modern take of a classic B'way musical that takes huge risks.
Don't see it if you don't want to be overwhelmed by projections that at times dwarf the performers so that your focus is redirected... Read more
See it if updated, shortened version of a classic; wonderful Bernstein/Sondheim music; want to see new interpretation & choreography with videos
Don't see it if video projections that often distract from the characters & dancing on stage; choreography that has gymnastic elements, floor sliding & * Read more
See it if You are curious to see what they have done to a classic. Interesting use of projections.
Don't see it if You loved the original play or movie. The projections distract audience away from actors. Who is a Jet who is a Shark confusing. Read more
See it if you would enjoy seeing a Broadway classic ripped up and sewn back together like some badly designed Frankenstein monster of a show.
Don't see it if you grew up loving the 1961 movie and you were DISAPPOINTED by the 2009 Broadway revival. Make sure to SKIP this production at all cost !!! Read more
See it if You can deal with a deconstructed Belgian take, all shiny bells & whistles, 2-storey video projections distracting from the actors onstage.
Don't see it if A WSS purist or if a violent, graphic rape scene disturbs; if you want to see a talented cast poorly choreographed below their abilities. Read more
See it if First of, the cast is very pleasant and most did the stage door 🚪. The venue is huge; I believe it’s the biggest Broadway 🎭 theatre 🎭.
Don't see it if Now for the show? It’s ambitious! To chop down about an hour of text and axing “I feel pretty”, etc., takes some major cojones! If you don’t Read more
See it if This is one of my favorite musicals of all time, but I had only seen the movie. Even though this was updated, I adored it!!! Wonderful!!!
Don't see it if You aren't open minded. This is very updated, but still maintains the aura and charisma that I came to adore in the movie. Songs! Dance!
"Sharks vs. Jets vs. Video: Ivo van Hove’s attention-splintering revival of the immortal 1957 musical features new choreography, a ravishing orchestra and smothering visual effects."
Read more
4/5 Stars. "Van Hove's 'West Side Story' functions very differently from any we have seen before. If the result is sometimes murky, it is also frequently revelatory-a major accomplishment in a show whose status as a classic threatens to freeze it in time and relevance."
Read more
"In the New 'West Side Story,' When You’re Onstage You’re Onscreen All the Way"
Read more
"A GRIM TAKE ON 'WEST SIDE STORY': Ivo van Hove’s new interpretation of the iconic musical is an infuriating example of what happens when a powerful style calcifies into shtick."
Read more
"Director Ivo van Hove and choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker reshape the classic tale of bitter street-gang rivalry for a new generation with this boldly contemporary revival."
Read more
Grade: B. "A radically reworked 'West Side Story' comes to Broadway"
Read more
"Director Ivo Van Hove dares to fiddle with perfection in this modernized but still respectful re-working of Jerome Robbins’ 1957 masterpiece."
Read more
"Anyone expecting a standard revival of ‘West Side Story’ is in for a surprise."
Read more