THEATRE
West Side Story
Presented by
Texas Performing Arts
at
Texas Performing Arts- Bass Concert Hall
March 29-April 3, 2011
Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars):
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More than 50 years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back on Broadway mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by its two-time Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents, WEST SIDE STORY remains as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of WEST SIDE STORY won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feet Pretty” and “Somewhere.” “So exciting IT MAKES YOU ACHE WITH PLEASURE.” -JOHN LAHR, THE NEW YORKER Purchase Season Tickets to the Broadway Across America-Austin 2010-2011 Season.
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At-a-
Glance
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Venue Info
Texas Performing Arts- Bass Concert Hall
2350 Robert Dedman
Austin, TX 78712
Full map and directions
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Admission Info
Tickets:
http://www.texasperformingarts.org/season/westsidestory
Info Phone: 512-471-1444
Email
Buy Tickets
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Dates & Times
Dates:
March 29-April 3, 2011
Times:
various times
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Accessibility Info
Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.
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Video & Image Gallery
Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.
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Member Reviews
Add review/comment
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Event Name: West Side Story
"Alive"
Review
posted by:
Snappy
from Austin, TX USA,
Apr 06, 2011
Seeing West Side Story on stage for the first time was truly an experience. Bernstein's score, Sondheim's lyrics, are so familiar, yet seeing it with dance makes it twice as powerful. And the dancing...
Expand
Seeing West Side Story on stage for the first time was truly an experience. Bernstein's score, Sondheim's lyrics, are so familiar, yet seeing it with dance makes it twice as powerful. And the dancing in this production was superb. The cast was more than up to the task of making the Jerome Robbins' choregraphy sing with the music. And the singing was no disappointment either. The chemistry between Tony and Maria was superb and the fight scenes between the Sharks and the Jets were played to perfection. The sets were both elaborate and simple - evoking the proper parallels to Romeo and Juliette in a modern city aesthetic. Each actor and actress gave an amazing amount of energy to their performances lifting the show to a highly energized work of art. A wonderful performance indeed.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Wonderful West Side Story!!!"
Review
posted by:
Katherine Altobello
from Austin, TX,
Apr 06, 2011
West Side Story is one of my favorite shows of all time. Not only did I love watching the movie as a kid, but I have seen the show live many times, and have seen many scenes from the show performed...
Expand
West Side Story is one of my favorite shows of all time. Not only did I love watching the movie as a kid, but I have seen the show live many times, and have seen many scenes from the show performed as well. I was a bit skeptical, yet open-minded too. What a brilliant production I saw last Tuesday at Bass! The wonderful singing, and honest acting was quite impressive. I must say it was the jaw dropping dancing that really stole the show for me. I wanted to run myself on stage and dance with them, they made it so exciting! I couldn't get over how talented each performer was (triple threats among all). Every scene was a memorable one, and each number had wonderful energy, whether a simple and touching love ballad between Tony and Maria, a gripping high energy "Mambo" number, or dramatic fight scene. What a treat to see this show done so well....I can't imagine how difficult it is to not only cast, but then to produce over and over on a tour. Job well done!!
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Spectacular performance"
Review
posted by:
Liz
from Austin, TX,
Mar 30, 2011
A round of applause for the cast and crew of West Side Story. What a job they did last night at the Bass Concert Hall. From the opening sceen with the Jets and the Sharks crossing paths through to the...
Expand
A round of applause for the cast and crew of West Side Story. What a job they did last night at the Bass Concert Hall. From the opening sceen with the Jets and the Sharks crossing paths through to the finale, the audience is captured by the story through song and dance. The story is basically a Romeo and Juliet story, where families are replaced by gangs. The male characters, both the Caucasians and the latinos, are primarily a bunch of finger-snapping hoodlum punk types. The female characters, and the show only focuses on the latinas, are colorful, fun, and provide the few comic moments. Not being very familiar with the show, I still recognized several songs - Tonight, America, and I Feel Pretty. Ali Ewoldt as Maria, has a beautiful, strong voice. The dancing was great, ballet to jitterbug. Amazing. The sets were interesting, very clever. I particularly liked the school dance set and the scene change for the rumble. My interest was bound. And then suddenly it was over. Super show!
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"West Side Story Rocks with Riveting messages"
Review
posted by:
Charla Hathaway
from Austin, TX,
Mar 30, 2011
Timeless and treasured the story of gangs, hate,
love and loss, West Side Story grips us today as it
did the first time I saw it 35 years ago. Entertaining
with a heartfelt message, the musical is...
Expand
Timeless and treasured the story of gangs, hate,
love and loss, West Side Story grips us today as it
did the first time I saw it 35 years ago. Entertaining
with a heartfelt message, the musical is
eloquently enacted, danced and sung on the Bass
Concert Hall stage. I leaned forward in my seat to
hang on to every word of 'Tonight', 'Keep Cool', and
'I like to be in Amerika!' I loved the dream
sequence added for 'Somewhere'--never saw that
twist before. I stood up with the crowd on opening
night to applaud these energetic, flawless actors for
a performance well done. The pit orchestra except
for a few traveling musicians is Austin made--great
opportunity for our fine players! I didn't wear
makeup so I wouldn't have it running down face
upon leaving. Yes, we've much to think about in this
story.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"What a night!"
Review
posted by:
Dustin L. Struhall
from Austin, TX, USA,
Mar 30, 2011
Arthur Laurents has outdone himself with
this re-work of his 1957 classic. The
integration of Spanish into the text
truly transports you into the setting.
This version is much more in your face...
Expand
Arthur Laurents has outdone himself with
this re-work of his 1957 classic. The
integration of Spanish into the text
truly transports you into the setting.
This version is much more in your face
with direct references whether or not
they are deemed P.C. The "Officer
Krupke" will stun you for a moment until
you begin to laugh. If you are a fan of
the dance, this show leaves nothing to
be desired. Joey McKneely's
reproduction of the choreo is visually
enticing, drawing you in with each snap.
I am thoroughly glad I chose to see this
production. I truly would have missed
something if I hadn't.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"STUNNING!!!"
Review
posted by:
Jesse Griffith
from Austin TX,
Mar 30, 2011
What many may not know about WSS is that Jerome Robbins' choreography did not merely "compliment" musical numbers, it was used as a vehicle to move along the story line. It begins from moment one and...
Expand
What many may not know about WSS is that Jerome Robbins' choreography did not merely "compliment" musical numbers, it was used as a vehicle to move along the story line. It begins from moment one and propels the story forward like a freight train, carving out the characters, giving them each their own identity. They aren't mere chorus boys and girls, but unique individuals clearly defined and thoroughly gripping. The costumes and sets are like an MGM musical technicolor treat for the eye. This beloved musical was enhanced further using the bilingual technique. It works, and pulls us in closer to the Puerto Rican kids AND the NY kids caught in this web of how to deal with prejudice in one's formative years. They (and we) see "in your face" the consequences of hatred and intolerance. All kids should see WSS;this lesson is not to be learned the hard way. It is thrilling, intense, and thoroughly entertaining.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Go see West Side Story!"
Review
posted by:
Beth
from deermoon11@gmail.com,
Mar 30, 2011
I had only ever seen the movie once so I don’t have a lot of the “comparison issue.” This show pretty much rocked my socks off. The story that flows from quiet romantic moments to exciting in...
Expand
I had only ever seen the movie once so I don’t have a lot of the “comparison issue.” This show pretty much rocked my socks off. The story that flows from quiet romantic moments to exciting in your face brashness, that unique, disjointed score that sometimes demands operatic voices to sing, and oh…the dancing. The brilliant choreography by Jerome Robbins is something to behold. The dance sequences were considered long for the time but I could have watched them forever. All of this was done with aplomb by a completely committed and talented cast. I don’t recall so much Spanish being spoken before (almost entire scenes in Spanish!) but I love that it’s been embraced. I know enough that I could follow, but even if you don’t you get the gist. I appreciate how this show doesn’t shy away from social problems – you have violence, teen sexuality and references, discrimination, rape, murder. Then again, it’s based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, so these are issues from time immemorial.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Awesome Choreography"
Review
posted by:
Pammyla Brooks
from Austin, Texas,
Mar 30, 2011
"West Side Story" is a classic musical and it was a real treat to see it on the Bass stage. The costumes were done well, and the stage was rather simple yet effective. The dancing and choreography...
Expand
"West Side Story" is a classic musical and it was a real treat to see it on the Bass stage. The costumes were done well, and the stage was rather simple yet effective. The dancing and choreography were as impressive as you could possibly imagine. Although I like to think I can speak Spanish, I lost quite a lot in this bilingual version. Luckily, I am familiar enough with the story to grasp what was happening onstage. Other than that, I noticed very few updates to the original material, since it is a timeless story that unfortunately remains as relevant today as it was in the 1960's. Come enjoy this roller coaster ride through the range of human emotions.
Collapse
-
Media
Gallery
-
Member
Reviews
-
Member Reviews
Add review/comment
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Alive"
Review
posted by:
Snappy
from Austin, TX USA,
Apr 06, 2011
Seeing West Side Story on stage for the first time was truly an experience. Bernstein's score, Sondheim's lyrics, are so familiar, yet seeing it with dance makes it twice as powerful. And the dancing...
Expand
Seeing West Side Story on stage for the first time was truly an experience. Bernstein's score, Sondheim's lyrics, are so familiar, yet seeing it with dance makes it twice as powerful. And the dancing in this production was superb. The cast was more than up to the task of making the Jerome Robbins' choregraphy sing with the music. And the singing was no disappointment either. The chemistry between Tony and Maria was superb and the fight scenes between the Sharks and the Jets were played to perfection. The sets were both elaborate and simple - evoking the proper parallels to Romeo and Juliette in a modern city aesthetic. Each actor and actress gave an amazing amount of energy to their performances lifting the show to a highly energized work of art. A wonderful performance indeed.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Wonderful West Side Story!!!"
Review
posted by:
Katherine Altobello
from Austin, TX,
Apr 06, 2011
West Side Story is one of my favorite shows of all time. Not only did I love watching the movie as a kid, but I have seen the show live many times, and have seen many scenes from the show performed...
Expand
West Side Story is one of my favorite shows of all time. Not only did I love watching the movie as a kid, but I have seen the show live many times, and have seen many scenes from the show performed as well. I was a bit skeptical, yet open-minded too. What a brilliant production I saw last Tuesday at Bass! The wonderful singing, and honest acting was quite impressive. I must say it was the jaw dropping dancing that really stole the show for me. I wanted to run myself on stage and dance with them, they made it so exciting! I couldn't get over how talented each performer was (triple threats among all). Every scene was a memorable one, and each number had wonderful energy, whether a simple and touching love ballad between Tony and Maria, a gripping high energy "Mambo" number, or dramatic fight scene. What a treat to see this show done so well....I can't imagine how difficult it is to not only cast, but then to produce over and over on a tour. Job well done!!
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Spectacular performance"
Review
posted by:
Liz
from Austin, TX,
Mar 30, 2011
A round of applause for the cast and crew of West Side Story. What a job they did last night at the Bass Concert Hall. From the opening sceen with the Jets and the Sharks crossing paths through to the...
Expand
A round of applause for the cast and crew of West Side Story. What a job they did last night at the Bass Concert Hall. From the opening sceen with the Jets and the Sharks crossing paths through to the finale, the audience is captured by the story through song and dance. The story is basically a Romeo and Juliet story, where families are replaced by gangs. The male characters, both the Caucasians and the latinos, are primarily a bunch of finger-snapping hoodlum punk types. The female characters, and the show only focuses on the latinas, are colorful, fun, and provide the few comic moments. Not being very familiar with the show, I still recognized several songs - Tonight, America, and I Feel Pretty. Ali Ewoldt as Maria, has a beautiful, strong voice. The dancing was great, ballet to jitterbug. Amazing. The sets were interesting, very clever. I particularly liked the school dance set and the scene change for the rumble. My interest was bound. And then suddenly it was over. Super show!
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"West Side Story Rocks with Riveting messages"
Review
posted by:
Charla Hathaway
from Austin, TX,
Mar 30, 2011
Timeless and treasured the story of gangs, hate,
love and loss, West Side Story grips us today as it
did the first time I saw it 35 years ago. Entertaining
with a heartfelt message, the musical is...
Expand
Timeless and treasured the story of gangs, hate,
love and loss, West Side Story grips us today as it
did the first time I saw it 35 years ago. Entertaining
with a heartfelt message, the musical is
eloquently enacted, danced and sung on the Bass
Concert Hall stage. I leaned forward in my seat to
hang on to every word of 'Tonight', 'Keep Cool', and
'I like to be in Amerika!' I loved the dream
sequence added for 'Somewhere'--never saw that
twist before. I stood up with the crowd on opening
night to applaud these energetic, flawless actors for
a performance well done. The pit orchestra except
for a few traveling musicians is Austin made--great
opportunity for our fine players! I didn't wear
makeup so I wouldn't have it running down face
upon leaving. Yes, we've much to think about in this
story.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"What a night!"
Review
posted by:
Dustin L. Struhall
from Austin, TX, USA,
Mar 30, 2011
Arthur Laurents has outdone himself with
this re-work of his 1957 classic. The
integration of Spanish into the text
truly transports you into the setting.
This version is much more in your face...
Expand
Arthur Laurents has outdone himself with
this re-work of his 1957 classic. The
integration of Spanish into the text
truly transports you into the setting.
This version is much more in your face
with direct references whether or not
they are deemed P.C. The "Officer
Krupke" will stun you for a moment until
you begin to laugh. If you are a fan of
the dance, this show leaves nothing to
be desired. Joey McKneely's
reproduction of the choreo is visually
enticing, drawing you in with each snap.
I am thoroughly glad I chose to see this
production. I truly would have missed
something if I hadn't.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"STUNNING!!!"
Review
posted by:
Jesse Griffith
from Austin TX,
Mar 30, 2011
What many may not know about WSS is that Jerome Robbins' choreography did not merely "compliment" musical numbers, it was used as a vehicle to move along the story line. It begins from moment one and...
Expand
What many may not know about WSS is that Jerome Robbins' choreography did not merely "compliment" musical numbers, it was used as a vehicle to move along the story line. It begins from moment one and propels the story forward like a freight train, carving out the characters, giving them each their own identity. They aren't mere chorus boys and girls, but unique individuals clearly defined and thoroughly gripping. The costumes and sets are like an MGM musical technicolor treat for the eye. This beloved musical was enhanced further using the bilingual technique. It works, and pulls us in closer to the Puerto Rican kids AND the NY kids caught in this web of how to deal with prejudice in one's formative years. They (and we) see "in your face" the consequences of hatred and intolerance. All kids should see WSS;this lesson is not to be learned the hard way. It is thrilling, intense, and thoroughly entertaining.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Go see West Side Story!"
Review
posted by:
Beth
from deermoon11@gmail.com,
Mar 30, 2011
I had only ever seen the movie once so I don’t have a lot of the “comparison issue.” This show pretty much rocked my socks off. The story that flows from quiet romantic moments to exciting in...
Expand
I had only ever seen the movie once so I don’t have a lot of the “comparison issue.” This show pretty much rocked my socks off. The story that flows from quiet romantic moments to exciting in your face brashness, that unique, disjointed score that sometimes demands operatic voices to sing, and oh…the dancing. The brilliant choreography by Jerome Robbins is something to behold. The dance sequences were considered long for the time but I could have watched them forever. All of this was done with aplomb by a completely committed and talented cast. I don’t recall so much Spanish being spoken before (almost entire scenes in Spanish!) but I love that it’s been embraced. I know enough that I could follow, but even if you don’t you get the gist. I appreciate how this show doesn’t shy away from social problems – you have violence, teen sexuality and references, discrimination, rape, murder. Then again, it’s based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, so these are issues from time immemorial.
Collapse
-
Event Name: West Side Story
"Awesome Choreography"
Review
posted by:
Pammyla Brooks
from Austin, Texas,
Mar 30, 2011
"West Side Story" is a classic musical and it was a real treat to see it on the Bass stage. The costumes were done well, and the stage was rather simple yet effective. The dancing and choreography...
Expand
"West Side Story" is a classic musical and it was a real treat to see it on the Bass stage. The costumes were done well, and the stage was rather simple yet effective. The dancing and choreography were as impressive as you could possibly imagine. Although I like to think I can speak Spanish, I lost quite a lot in this bilingual version. Luckily, I am familiar enough with the story to grasp what was happening onstage. Other than that, I noticed very few updates to the original material, since it is a timeless story that unfortunately remains as relevant today as it was in the 1960's. Come enjoy this roller coaster ride through the range of human emotions.
Collapse
-
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