West Side Story

See it if you are interested in seeing a drastic, overblown reinvention of one of the greatest musicals ever written

Don't see it if you're not a fan of enormous video projections that dwarf the performers; you enjoy subtlety.

See it if …you get a free ticket, but make a reservation for cocktails after intermission.

Don't see it if …you like theatre and the spoken or sung word. “Emperor” van Hove isn’t wearing any clothes.

Also The NYT very appropriately described the use of video as “smothering” and it certainly was. The fire and intensity of the story are extinguished by the distracting images. Who needs such a literal interpretation? He has ruined yet another classic story.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy experimental theatre.

Don't see it if You have expectations of a traditional stage production of WSS. This is not it.

Also I was thoroughly disappointed by this production which was nothing more than watching a very expensive movie on a very large screen. No sets. No stage production except "Hey we can make it rain on stage!". Rape and violence are at the forefront. If I could have walked out, I would have.... Read more Read less

See it if you love incredible choreo (fight & dance), crystalline voices, innovative theatre, & you want to see actors' facial expressions up close!

Don't see it if you don't like adaptations or innovative, experimental technology use on stage. Trigger warning: sexual assault & gang violence.

See it if you're interested in a modern-day Romeo and Juliet-esque romantic tragedy. Great dancing and catchy songs!

Don't see it if you hate romance. The show also includes some violence/fighting scenes, which might be overwhelming for young audiences.

See it if You love the music of West Side Story and the dancing.

Don't see it if You love the original. The screen in the back was awful. It made me dizzy and distracted from the show. I didn't know where to look.

See it if So far away from the usually WSS styling. Relevant to today, even though the original was set in post war NYC.

Don't see it if If you really love the past interpretations of WSS, don't see this. This is the story with new modern eyes; Loved it.

See it if I enjoyed this play more than I expected. It was a birthday present. The music and dancing was awesome. Really exceeded my expectations.

Don't see it if You don't like musical love stories.

See it if You want to see a new take on an older show. The music was still wonderful and the choreographed ensemble scenes were great!

Don't see it if I didn’t like the choice to rely on cameras and screens rather than let the audience actually see the actors on stage.

See it if The actors give it their all - and I appreciate that

Don't see it if If you want your moneys worth

See it if you are open minded to the mixed media theater and you're ready to see a modern take on a classis Broadway show.

Don't see it if you value your time and money, since the show feels more like a movie, than a live theater.

Also I so wanted to love this show......and I failed. I rushed out of the theater, first customer out the door tonight, singing Mariiiaaa! I love the music of this Broadway classic. And that's about the only thing I loved tonight.
During this one act show, one hour and 45 minutes long with no intermission, I felt cheated of a live theater experience.
In what seemed like a streamlined video on instagram, we were visually transported into the streets of NYC, then Puerto Rico and back to New York. The overblown pictures projected on the wall were fully capturing my attention, to the point that whatever was going on on the stage in front of me felt like an unnecessary distraction. The choreography seemed random, and dizzying.

Westside Story is a big production, however with hardly any props. I don't mind the simplicity of staging shows these days, yet what I saw tonight was not enough. Also turns out I am not a big fan of mixed media.
I've decided tonight I am more of an Eastside gal.... Read more Read less

See it if You'd like a very modern and timely take on the classic

Don't see it if You are expecting a remake of the movie

See it if You love the music. You want to see some interesting staging.

Don't see it if You're looking for a transcendent experience. You want a truly satisfying update of the show.

See it if This West Side Story challenges from the first note. It is an intense 1 hour and 45 minutes. An emotional roller coaster.

Don't see it if You can't live without "I Feel Pretty".

See it if you are interested in an attempt to make WSS more current and relevant and, if you are a fan of this director.

Don't see it if you are a die hard fan of the classic WSS and dislike director "tricks." Director seemed more interested in himself than the piece.

See it if if you want to be distracted by giant video of the actors instead of watching the actors themselves. No sets, bare stage, big screen.

Don't see it if You like traditional Broadway with built sets and actors, dancers and singers with actual talent and experience.

See it if If you are into seeing aggressive new direction, then definitely go. This is not your mother's WSS

Don't see it if If you simply love t he traditional WSS, then you will be disappointed.

See it if Over 18/21 and have zero sensitivity to rape/tense suicide related actions/sexual video projection.

Don't see it if You are under 21/18. There is a vivid rape scene. There is SO MUCH pre recorded video that overwhelms the stage. Much of the action is video

Also There is so much wrong. The video is extremely sensual and unnecessarily vulgar. The is zero reason this show needed so much video. This is live theatre. Over half the show was behind a screen and they were projecting the video. Just go see a movie!!

IN NO WAY IS THIS OK FOR 12 and up! That is false advertising. At the VERY LEAST there should be a disclaimer before buying tickets of the extreme content within this production. It was gut wrenching to watch this famous music be devastated by this direction and video usage. I’ve never been so utterly heartbroken to watch something like this and have NO REVIEWS to warn future viewers about extremely sensitive content. With rape/harassment/suicide so prominent in our world why on EARTH would you magnify it on the broadway stage??

Please take this show off Broadway. Or give these actors and singers something to perform in that celebrates their talent. Not sexual and “edgy” content. We are inundated with it in this world already.... Read more Read less

See it if Great choreography and singing. Modern twist on a great classic!

Don't see it if Video can be a bit distracting at times. Some scenes take place in a room built into the rear wall, only viewable on the video screen.

See it if If you like multi-media with a huge movie screen If you like an updated story where you can't tell which actors belong to which gangs.

Don't see it if you like the original production. If you like the original choreography. If you want to hear all the original songs.

See it if You're interested in investigating how video and camera work is being incorporated into modern productions, beyond fourth wall viewing.

Don't see it if You want traditional viewing of actors performing onstage in full view or get distracted or dizzy from incorporation of shaky video footage

See it if If you would rather see a big screen than actual good acting and directing, this is the show for you

Don't see it if What a ridiculous staging. I absolutely adore Leonard Bernstein's score and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics, but this misses the mark by a mile.

See it if A masterful reimagining for today. Orchestrations/lyrics kept intact. Sets/dances are new. What voices! Brilliant and moving.

Don't see it if you don't care about musicals or don't like modernized versions of classics.

Also Pimentel & Powell are revelations! Incredible unique voices with beautiful harmony between them and perfect for their songs. Kudos!... Read more Read less

See it if Brilliant revival. Fresh & current. Excellent choreography/dancing. Impressive staging/direction. Incredible Cast! Do not miss it!

Don't see it if You are a purist and don't want to see a fresh and new take on a classic.

Also Tony and Maria have INCREDIBLE chemistry. I feel like you don't see that kind of chemistry every day. Story feels extremely relevant to today. I really loved the direction and the use of projections. It's seems to be a very complicated show to do technically and they pull it off flawlessly. Very impressed with the entire production. I will see it again.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see Ivo Van Hove’s latest deconstruction. This time around with some absolute success , gorgeous moments and stunning staging.

Don't see it if You are a purist. The choreography is different...very different. It’s a whole new look. A whole new feel.

Also I think folks will take away from this show what they want to. You can pick it apart and find things to hate. Or you can be in the bunch that I’m in and find the original, genius moments (and there are many). I saw an early preview and it was only the second performance for Tony’s understudy after Issac Powell suffered an injury so I’m thinking there’s lots of time (six weeks) to tinker and tweak and I have a feeling by the time this opens it’s going to be astonishing.... Read more Read less