West Side Story

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.

Also You may never see a version of West Side Story that feels so urgent, contemporary, piercing, fresh & political as Ivo van Hove's re-imagining of this classic. Editing the musical down to one act really emphasizes how quickly one's whole world can change in an instant. With all due respect to Jerome Robbins, it was so refreshing to see new choreography that emphasizes, along with the casting, make-up, costumes, and videography, how immediate and modern and political the piece is, even 60+ years later. The vast emptiness of the stage and the towering video screens underscore how infinitesimal our lives are in the big picture when everything happening to us feels so monumental. The lights! The cameras! The action! It's all there, along with blood, sweat & tears. And stellar performances. There's a place for us... and it's the Broadway Theatre!... Read more Read less

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...

Also ..sometimes this works beautifully, more often is problematic. The new choreo is more athletic than balletic. The voices were excellent, the orchestra terrific. Many of the projections were in & of themselves, artistic but at times were a jumble so that it made it difficult to tell which gang was which. It's good to see an attempt to bring a modern view to a classic. Wish it was more consistently successful. Still, that brilliant score makes it all worthwhile.... Read more Read less

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 & *

Also *other interesting moves but that doesn't add to the story. & rarely shows tension (some exceptions towards end). Hard to tell difference between Sharks and Jetts in some of the numbers
Some of the videos do add - the empty street scenes, the scenes of the border wall during "America"; the videos during "Officer Krupke" that add seriousness to that number. Mostly though the huge video projections are a distraction.... Read more Read less

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.

Also The gang members are mean, tough, not likable. Tattoos, short skirts, tight pants, transgender, everything thrown in almost haphazardly. The whole musical has unfortunately changed dramatically, almost unrecognizable. Sad. However one can appreciate the creativity involved.... Read more Read less

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 !!!

Also Director Ivo Van Hove is a master at re-conceiving shows, presenting them to the delight of audiences very familiar with the a specific show. He did it successfully with NYTW's production of A Streetcar Named Desire, the Broadway revival of A View From The Bridge, and the stage adaption of Network. This theater season, he tackled the classic musical West Side Story and FAILED miserably. First mistake was the scrapping of the choreography of Jerome Robbins. Secondly, he changed the races of the gang members representing the Sharks and the Jets. And thirdly, he introduced cameras into this stage presentation. He threw everything except the kitchen sink into this production and it just didn't work. From the missed gang members finger snaps, to cutting the song I Feel Pretty from the show all together, to the poor casting of the most NON-INNOCENT Maria ever portrayed on Broadway stage, it had to FAIL and it did. I hated EVERY MINUTE I sat in my $150.00 seat. SHAME ON YOU Van Hove!!... Read more Read less

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

Also Know the story, then the chopped up version seems fine, otherwise it can feel lacking or rushed. The dancing 💃🏽 🕺🏼 was great 👍🏽, singing 🎤 was ok 👌🏽. “Tony” is TOTALLY worth the show! The visuals? Ok, so there was no real stage, aside from rain 🌧/ snow ❄️. The set really consisted of a projector 📽, which actually went dark at one ☝🏻 point, which didn’t seem intentional. The other times, which was mostly throughout, when the projector 📽 was used, was distracting. Some scenes? Totally worth it, other times, it was like, ok 👌🏽, enough already. But, overall, the intensity and basic story was there....... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a powerful modern retelling of a classic musical with strong performances and choreography.

Don't see it if you want to see a traditional version of WSS. This is a radical interpretation that likely would not appeal to purists.

See it if want to see some very innovative changes to how a play can be seen - with amazing videos in the background to augment the action on stage

Don't see it if you don't like visuals that may sometimes appear to be coming at you; or want this to be a remake of what you saw in the past

Also I loved the original version of West Side Story and was delighted to hear the tunes I remember - but I loved this version as much. They are quite different but equally memorable.

I took my 13 year old grandson who loved it as well.

Sometimes the action on the live videos took over and sometimes it forced my view to go back to the stage. I thought the staging was brilliant.

I saw this at The Broadway Theater in March 2020.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a thrilling revival turned into a eye popping gang war that is gritty& real. Videos show3 dimensional scenes. Acting, singing great

Don't see it if Not interested in twisted revivals that will open your mind

Also The videos while somewhat distracting add a zip to the show. The passion the cast has sizzles especially Tony & Maria. If you go be non-biased & look forward to a new show. It is thrilling, brash & hot.... Read more Read less

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!

See it if You want to see a much needed shake up of a classic. Forget what you knew and experience the new. It’s hauntingly powerful.

Don't see it if You can’t except change

Also While I loved the production there’s no rightful reason the production is protecting the actions of Ramasar. He’s replaceable in the show. That being said, the positive is that 33 excellent performers are making their debuts in a strikingly original take of this piece.... Read more Read less

See it if you're open to a whole new take (and staging) of this classic. Inventive and provocative. The final tableau... heart-breaking.

Don't see it if you're attached to the musical as you've known it...especially the superb Jerome Robbins's choreography. But DO see it if you can.

See it if You are curious about this very different production. I was not a fan of the screen projections. This is innovative but didn’t enhance.

Don't see it if You are a purist. This is a tougher version - gangs are prominent and I didn’t really feel the love story. I guess that’s due to it

Also being one act.

See it if you want an updated, tough gritty version of this American classic musical. Great staging, performances and cheorography.

Don't see it if you cant handle this new edgy and shortened version of this show.

Also Having seen the origional Broadway productiom and the Palace Theater revival several years ago, I was curious to see this new "up-to-date" version of West Side Story. I was not disappointed. This version is very relevant, especially in today's divided society. Done on a basically bare stage with oversized projections, the story stayed in tact, even with a missing "favorite" song and some original dialog. The performers were strong and very talented, choreography was beautifully done and carried the strong, meaningful story line in which no one any longer mentions the Romeo and Juliet theme. The use of the rain storm during the anticipated rumble scene was extremely effective and added to the dire and tragic events that took place, changing the lives of the characters. For those who have never seen a stage production of this show, I highly recommend seeing this version. To those who only want to remember the classic staging of this story, see this new updated production..... Read more Read less

See it if you're open to a new take on West Side Story that's edgy and profound.

Don't see it if you'll only be happy with a cuter, 'fifties-er West Side Story.

See it if you like a classic with great dancing and amazing lead singers

Don't see it if you want the original production of a standard musical.

See it if You want to see a fresh,raw imaginative, contemporary take on a classic musical. Other than the music &lyrics you won’t recognize this show.

Don't see it if If you’re a musical theatre purist, you will leave the theatre morosely unsatisfied. If you are distracted or don’t like video projections.

See it if you like special effects and the music well performed, but don't care about whether or not the story comes through.

Don't see it if you expect to get a story ... or expect to believe anything on stage. You leave aware of the special effects, but not the musical.

See it if You enjoy the music. Aside from “I Feel Pretty it’s all there” and done well. Good performances, great dancing with new choreography.

Don't see it if You are a traditionalist. This is edgy. I found the video component interesting but overdone and distracting in places.

See it if you love anything the director does.

Don't see it if you love WEST SIDE STORY, as written by Bernstein, Sondheim, Laurents, and Robbins (whose choreography is embedded in the writing).

Also Ivo van Hove has become famous for taking excellent material and making it more about him than the material. Many people adore this kind of entertainment. On the other hand, I could watch 20 different "traditional" productions of WSS and still find something new and thrilling in each one. However, many viewers are not able to pay such close attention, and need radical "reinterpretation" that has little-to-nothing to do with the text, in order to catch their short attention spans. They need to believe that they are seeing something "new," "young," "contemporary" (because "old" is a dirty word). This production is for those audiences.... Read more Read less

See it if you don't mind it being more movie than musical.

Don't see it if you can't bear to see a classic show "modernized" for now.

See it if Really great dancing, singing and acting. when the video works it WORKS

Don't see it if but when the video doesnt work, it really doesnt work. That goes for the whole show in general really.

Also Ivo's vision is there at times, and sometimes gets lost in the huge stage. It was good but the other revivals this season seem much more promising.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see an updated version of WSS. Also, if you want to revisit the music and choreography of WSS.

Don't see it if If you want to see the original version of the show.

Also The screen projection was over used. They could have limited it - it was distracting. If you decide you want to see the show, sit in mezzanine section.... Read more Read less

See it if You are open to new interpretations of classic shows. You like dance. You can accept use of huge video within theater.

Don't see it if You prefer to keep the movie version of WSS in your mind. You don’t want to be overwhelmed.

Also I didn’t expect to like it this much. While there were elements that didn’t work for me (there was an over reliance on video) I had a great time hearing the music and the excellent singing. I loved the dance even though I’m a big Jerome Robbins fan. I wasn’t sure what they were saying about “race” as both gangs were very diverse, which, given U.S history, seemed a bit unlikely to me. I didn’t know about the controversy re: Bernardo. But I had a great time and felt amazed and transformed.... Read more Read less

See it if to see a shorten, reinvented, edgy version of WSS, great young talent, you're open to innovative staging

Don't see it if you're a WSS purist, looking for traditional staging

Also This production had some lovely moments, the projections were distracting at times. The choice of projection for one song added some corniness and ruined what would have been an emotional scene. Overall, it was an interesting staging element for a Broadway show. I did appreciate the close ups of the cast especially in such a big theater. This was a young cast that has great dance talent who performed the choreography well. Speaking of, I didn't mind the new choreography at all.... Read more Read less