West Side Story (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (650)
See it if You want to keep up with theatrical developments in tech (new approach to staging a classic). You appreciate any iteration of WSS.
Don't see it if You object to "messing" with a much loved show. You are easily distracted by multimedia storytelling. Maria will always be Natalie Wood. Read more
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 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 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. Read more
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 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 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 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.
Critic Reviews (27)
"'West Side Story' shines most brightly when it is at its least gimmicky, when the actors are allowed to act, the singers to sing, the dancers to dance."
Read more
4/5 Stars. "Ivo van Hove shoots sparks into space with a fresh take on the musical masterwork, with Isaac Powell's performance a high point of the production."
Read more
3/5 Stars. "The 1957 Bernstein-Laurents-Robbins-Sondheim masterpiece gets a harsh modern makeover"
Read more
"RECKLESS REVIVAL: Missteps in this production include cutting the show too short and using giant video projections that overwhelm the action onstage."
Read more
"NOT THE TIME,NOT THE PLACE: Ivo van Hove's revival attempts to reimagine the classic show but nearly shreds it to pieces."
Read more
"Ivo van Hove’s ‘West Side Story’ feels more cinematic than theatrical"
Read more
"Ivo van Hove has achieved the impossible, a completely original version"
Read more
"For all the ruinous choices - chief among them, an overabundance of distracting video projections - van Hove doesn't completely ruin what's most thrilling about this musical...Leonard Bernstein's music…can still make you cry…The show's aficionados will have many, less salutary reasons to get emotional."
Read more