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(More customer reviews)I've yet to see this revival of "West Side Story," but if this beautifully produced, powerfully performed album is any indication, the show is as marvelous as everyone says it is. I have to admit that I'm one of those who's taken this landmark musical for granted over the years. "Oh yes, it's 'West Side Story,' been there done that." But listening to this CD, one is reminded WHY it's become a part of all of our lives since it's debut some 40 years ago. Perhaps there have been better sung versions, but I can't recall one that's made such a strong case for this work's continued validity. Chalk it up, certainly, to the combined genius of Sondheim and Bernstein, but also, this time around, to a young, vibrant cast that seems to have been born to play these roles. Simply put, Matt Cavenaugh and Josefina Scaglione ARE Tony and Maria. Regardless of what one may think of their voices (Cavenaugh's is a tad nasal, Scaglione's a bit thin at the top), the honesty, passion and intensity of the performances cannot be denied. Some here have found their spoken dialogue unconvincing, but I find it highly effective and touching, due in great part to the authenticity of Scaglione's accent. To hear her say how she'll never joke about love again is to relive one's memories of youthful longing and the ways in which one's first love defines all others. As for the supporting cast, it's uniformly terrific. Karen Olivo, as Anita, miraculously makes as strong an impression as have her predecessors, which is saying a lot.
Of course, the new Spanish lyrics are the big news here, and while I never found them a distraction, I'm not sure they serve as great a purpose as they were meant to. (Particularly when the Sharks, in the "Tonight" quintet, still sing the word "tonight" in English.) Perhaps it has more of an impact in live performance. That said, Lin-Manuel Miranda seems to have done a terrific, if not literal, translation. (Sondheim's only demand was that Miranda retain his rhyme schemes.) When Anita sings "cabron...Americano," it actually has more impact that simply "a boy like that..." Personally, I did find Tony's singing in Spanish during the finale a trifle politically correct; it's doubtful he would know enough of the language to do a spontaneous translation as he's dying. On the other hand, the decision to have a boy soprano sing "Somewhere" is an inspired one. Like so much else on this remarkably successful recording, it demands of us that we listen with new ears. For those willing to do so, the rewards will be immense; a very moving reminder of why "West Side Story" is going to be with us for as long as its source material.
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From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time.Recently re-opening on Broadway to critical-acclaim, West Side Story is the masterwork of three theatrical luminaries: Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. This groundbreaking new production offers a bold new design that builds on the show's raw power and emotion and takes on new life through the inspired idea of a bilingual album and production. The Bernstein and Sondheim score considered to be one of Broadway's finest, features such classics as "Maria," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere." The musical that changed the face of American Theatre over half a century ago continues to do so, remaining as brilliant and relevant as ever.
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