I am ashamed to admit I have never seen the movie. Here's what I knew about West Side Story before seeing the musical on the 20th. It involved two people (Maria & Tony) falling in love. Some girl named Anita is a dancing dynamo. People fight. People die.
Here's what I know after seeing it: I'm an idiot for not seeing the movie earlier! I thought the story line was beautiful and Arthur Laurents did a fantastic job at bringing it to life again in this revival. The choreography left me riveted in my seat. The music was great too. (I mean of course it was, with Sondheim responsible for it.) Matt Cavenaugh, who plays Tony, did nothing for me although he is definitely eye candy. Straight from Argentina, newcomer Josefina Scaglione is a wonderful Maria. When she hits those notes, HOLY COW! And Karen Olivo as Anita, well if you are familiar with her at all, you'll know she never disappoints. She is a firecracker on stage! I've been hearing people say her dancing isn't as good as the role requires her to be but I beg to differ. She didn't win Best Female Dancer on Broadway last year for nothing (when she was in In the Heights). I was not surprised when she got the most applause at the end of the show.
Would I recommend buying a ticket to see it? Yes. I wouldn't pay full price for an orchestra seat again though. An enjoyable experience, for sure! I did not have time to stagedoor but such is life.
Here are some related links, including a performance of the song "America" on Letterman & opening night coverage:
http://dctheatrescene.com/2009/01/21/karen-olivo/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJdMqZKG7ic
http://broadwayworld.com/article/BWW_TV_Broadway_Beat_Special_Sneak_WEST_SIDE_STORY_Opens_on_Broadway_20090321
http://www.broadway.com/Broadway-com-VIDEO-ON-DEMAND-Opening-Night/broadway_information_html/5015926
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