Review of West Side Story (1961) by Alyssa N — 27 Mar 2011

I saw this performed by a small theater company before seeing the movie, so it was a thrill to see the songs and story performed once again on the grand scale they seem to call for. I wasn't too enthusiastic about the singing of the two leads, and the acting could be over-dramatic at times, but the choreography was superb and the dancing a joy to watch.

Not that it's all fun and games -- this musical uses the standard formula of Romeo & Juliet to explore serious issues about violence, race, and intolerance. Though of course movies can be classics just because they're entertaining, the dark but socially-relevant subject matter gave this one an added layer of depth.