MANUEL ALUM
Sep 10, 2023
MISTY COPELAND SPEAKS TO CELIA IPIOTIS ABOUT HER “SECRET WEAPON”
Sep 19, 2023
Photo by Hudson Graves on Unsplash
Review by Celia Ipiotis
Nonstop applause marked a special evening dedicated to a classic film and its sublime soundtrack.
The West Side Story Concert at David Geffen Hall offered the NY premiere of the much-loved score by Leonard Bernstein performed live to the complete film. Energetically conducted by David Newman, Bernstein’s stunning score frames the 2021 film directed by Steven Spielberg with a screenplay by Tony Kushner.
A fan of West Side Story, I’ve watched the original 1961 film directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise and choreographed by Robbins, more times than I can count — even slipping out during COVID to see Spielberg’s imprint on this classic work of art. And yet, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact of this exquisitely curated evening. Somehow, all the dramatic visual and musical arcs crescendoed beyond any previous memories.
Referencing Jerome Robbins’ original choreography, Justin Peck tosses in an extra dollop of athleticism allowing the majority male-dancers to soar over the exhilarating music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics. Academy award winner Ariana DuBose cuts through the role of the no-nonsense Anita with verve. And although the famous “dance in the gym” falls short of the original, Dubose and David Alvarez (Bernardo) her partner, as well as Riff (Mike Faist) and his girlfriend Graziella (Paloma Garcia-Lee) knock out some sassy hip bumps and spiraling swings.
By the end, this heightened experience formed a shared community of young and old (some of whom sang along) engaged by the vigorous, forward-looking NY Philharmonic.
– Runs through Sept. 17
EYE ON THE ARTS, NY — Celia Ipiotis
