Steven Spielberg is bringing the modern day Romeo and Juliet back to the big screen nearly 60 years from the original. Spielberg’s reimagined film, West Side Story features a stellar cast that is all as great as the original. It reminds audiences that racial tensions are still just a prevalent now as it was when the original debuted.
Overall the entire cast excelled in not only acting, but also singing and dancing. Divergent’s Ansel Elgort wowed audiences with his dynamic singing which only made his acting that much more powerful. This is the first time we’ve seen him sing and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Similarly the young actress playing Maria (Rachel Zegler) is a perfect compliment to Elgort. As a newcomer to the stage, she didn’t hold anything back from her seasoned team. Zegler brought Maria to life in a way that is right up alongside Natalie Wood who first starred in the original film.
Of course, there was one “cameo” so to speak as Rita Moreno came back to work in the new production. However it was more then just a walk on. Spielberg had a fitting role that both paid homage to the original and showcased Moreno as a mature actress.
All in all, West Side Story is a movie that is timeless and Spielberg’s retelling will bring new audiences and old to the theater as they remember just what musical theater is all about. The film came out on the big screen December 10th and is currently playing in one near you.