Let's get ready to rumble

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Q.� What is the enduring appeal of the musical West Side Story < xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

A.� There are a number of elements that combine to make West Side Story one of the most enduring stage musicals ever written, and the acknowledged greatest translation of a stage musical into a film ever.

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The most important element is the strength of the story itself. When composer Leonard Bernstein and director Jerome Robins discussed writing a musical they decided to build their story around a Jewish boy and an Italian Catholic girl, the proposed title was East Side Story. Because of various commitments, the plan was shelved for six years, and when the two reconvened they decided that social issues had moved on, and a more relevant scenario would be a Polish boy and a Puerto Rican girl.

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Q.� Why the change

A.� Probably in order to reflect the change in social attitudes, and the increasing racial tension between the white immigrants, and the Puerto Ricans, an issue that was faced with unflinching force, a radical development in musical theatre at the time.

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Q.� Isn't this a standard love story

A.� It is, it's been a template for drama since Shakespeare. The story is a re-working of Romeo and Juliet, lovers from rival families who attempt to overcome their cultural differences, with tragic consequences. In the updated story, the 'families' are simply different ethnic groups, but the lovers still try to overcome the differences they have inherited, and tragedy intervenes to finally resolve the conflict. The story is as relevant today as ever, which is the enduring appeal of Shakespeare’s work, and of this musical.

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Q.� Who wrote the words

A.� Initially Leonard Bernstein was going to write the words and music, but he decided to hand over the task of lyric writing to a virtually unknown writer�- Stephen Sondheim. The choice proved to be inspired, and the success of the musical was assured from its debut onwards.

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Q.� Has the story been filmed

A.� It has. The film version is acknowledged as the finest translation of a stage musical onto film ever made. The movie won 10 Oscars.

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Q.� Why does the musical appeal so much

A.� The strength of the work is the mix of social commentary with robust humour, mixed with fabulous dance routines, enduring songs, and pure romance�- it's a combination that moves the show at a cracking pace. Because audiences can identify with a young couple who simply wish to be in love, and are dragged into situations that are not of their own making, the appeal is set from the opening. As the futility of fighting strangers for some imagined racial slight or other is exposed, the audience is pulled further into the inevitable tragedy of the protagonists who can never win, or be happy in the end.

Q.� Is it popular

A.� Very popular, and not just with paying audiences in major theatre venues. The vibrancy and strength of the material makes West Side Story an ideal vehicle for amateur groups to perform, and it is usually assured of a good audience attendance simply because of the enduring appeal of such a well-known show.

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Q.� What are the standout songs in the show

A.� The really famous songs, now musical standards, are the love song Maria, and the biting satire of America, in which the 'promised land' myth is punctured by a disillusioned Puerto Rican immigrant. Although the musical is best known for these songs, the show should be enjoyed as a whole, because the dance sequences and instrumental music are vital in conjuring the claustrophobic tension of teenage New York street life in the 1950s, when differences were sorted out by gang fights, or 'rumbles'. The strength of the production is the depiction of raw racism and violence produced in the format of a musical show, with its impact made all the more telling for the portrayal of the ugly side of life with lighting and dance steps, instead of blood and gunshots.

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Q.� It sounds like a musical for people who don't like musicals!

A.� That's a pretty accurate summary of the appeal of West Side Story. It makes a perfect introduction to the world of musical theatre, and is enjoyed by people who are not normally drawn to this particular art form. Its appeal is timeless, and anyone who doesn't want to experience the show in a theatre can enjoy the film version, and the soundtrack, both of which are enjoyable on their own.

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Andy Hughes