In the interview, Sondheim also reflected on his own mentors and teachers, including Oscar Hammerstein III, as well as his ninth grade Latin teacher, whom he credits as the individual who sparked his proficiency in language.
Correspondingly, Why is it called West Side Story? It was originally going to be an ‘East Side Story’
Looking through the news headlines of the day, one jumped out at them: the rise of teen gangs. So ‘East Side Story’ moved across town to become West Side Story—a story focused on clashes between gangs of white Americans and newly immigrated Puerto Ricans.
What is Stephen Sondheim best known for? American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is mainly known for his stage works, which include “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (1962); “Anyone Can Whistle” (1964); “Company” (1970); “Follies” (1971); and “A Little Night Music” (1973).
Furthermore, Who killed Bernardo in West Side Story?
Bernardo, though, insists on a fight, and so Riff eventually steps in to challenge him. The two draw knives, and in a lapse of concentration Riff is stabbed, which leads the grief-stricken Tony to retaliate by stabbing Bernardo as revenge.
How old is Anita in West Side Story?
After appearing in some of our favorite musicals over the years, including Hamilton and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, the 30-year-old takes on the iconic role of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake. The adaptation of the 1961 film has received high praise from critics since its release on Dec.
Is Bernardo Maria’s brother? Overview. Bernardo is a Puerto Rican migrant and founder/leader of the Sharks, a Hispanic street gang who are in the midst of a turf war with their archenemies, the Jets. He is the older brother of Maria and is Anita’s boyfriend.
Why does Maria sleep with Tony? To adults, it is clear that Maria and Tony sleep together after Tony admits he killed her brother — and they do more than simply rest their eyes. To younger viewers (especially those who haven’t had « the talk »), it might simply seem like all that making out has bonded them very quickly.
Who is the leader of the Sharks in West Side Story? The leader of the Sharks and Maria’s older brother, Bernardo is proud, strong, and looking to carve a place in the Upper West Side for himself and the rest of the Sharks.
How old was Natalie Wood when she made West Side Story?
By the time 23-year-old Wood landed the role of Maria, she was already an established Hollywood veteran, a former child star (Miracle on 34th Street) who’d made the leap to more mature roles (Rebel Without a Cause).
What race is George Chakiris? Chakiris was born on September 16, 1932 in Norwood, Ohio to Stelianos (Steve) and Zoe (née Anastasiadou) Chakiris, Greek immigrants from Turkey. He is one of eight siblings. His family moved to Long Beach, California in 1944 when he was 12.
Who are Schrank and Krupke?
Schrank and Krupke are the law enforcement officials always trying to break up the fighting between the film’s two rival gangs, the white American gang the Jets and the Puerto Rican gang the Sharks.
Is Anita Maria’s sister? Overview. Anita is a Puerto Rican immigrant who came to America shortly after her boyfriend, Sharks leader Bernardo, and works as a seamstress in New York. She lives in the south side of town in the same apartment complex as Bernardo and his younger sister, the idealistic Maria.
Why do Tony and Maria fall in love?
Therefore, Tony needs something, or someone, to fill the gap of friends, family, or love. That is why he so desperately fell for Maria. Not only was she beautiful and they felt passion for each other instantly, but Tony was already vulnerable and open for a relationship.
Who killed Tony in West Side Story 1961?
Maria grabs Chino’s gun and tells the gang members that they are all responsible for the deaths of Riff, Bernardo, and Tony. The police arrive and arrest Chino while members of the Jets and the Sharks carry Tony’s body away. Fight scene from West Side Story (1961).
Who is the villain of West Side Story? Bernardo (last name unknown) is the main antagonist of the 1957 Broadway musical West Side Story as well as its film adaptations.
Who does Bernardo marry Maria? It turns out that the dress is for the dance, which Maria is attending with Chino, whom she is expected to marry, despite the fact that she does not have any feelings for him. At the dance in the local gym, the group is divided: Jets and their girls on one side and Sharks and their girls on the othe.
How are Maria and Bernardo related in West Side Story?
Maria is the younger sister of Bernardo, who came to America shortly before her to try and make a better life for himself and their family. After she arrived in New York, Bernardo designated himself to be her protector and, to Maria’s annoyance, often lords his status as older brother over her.
Did Tony and Maria sleep together? But hey, teenage hormones remain the same, regardless of the decade. To adults, it is clear that Maria and Tony sleep together after Tony admits he killed her brother — and they do more than simply rest their eyes.
Did Rita Moreno do her own singing in West Side Story?
Lastly, the cast is joined by a veteran West Side Story member, Rita Moreno. The Anita of the 1961 film now portrays Valentina, the widow of the original character, Doc. Although Moreno only did some of her own singing decades ago, she now gets to perform one of West Side Story’s most iconic songs, “Somewhere”.
What is the ethnicity of the Jets in West Side Story? On the west side of New York City, the Jets and the Sharks are Polish and Puerto Rican gangs respectively who hate each other and who battle each other for territory in their neighborhood.