One of the most enduring musicals of our time is West Side Story, which explored themes of gang violence, race, and star-crossed lovers. Following a successful stage run on both Broadway and the West End, it was adapted into a film in 1961, which was just as successful. Now, the film adaptation will have a remake and Steven Spielberg is directing!
Cindy Tolan, the casting director for the movie, is currently searching for actors who can play the roles in the film, and you can audition!
PLEASE SHARE.#WestSideStory#StevenSpielberg #TonyKushner pic.twitter.com/5hgxuwxLm2
— cindy tolan (@cindytolan1) January 25, 2018
In a poster that she tweeted, the producers are looking for actors who can play the lead roles of Tony, Maria, Anita, and Bernardo. They seem determined not to whitewash the film as they are looking for Latino actors to play Maria, Anita, and Bernardo. Tony will be portrayed by a Caucasian actor.
Apart from these requirements, applicants must be between 15 to 25 years old, and be able to sing and dance.
West Side Story is a modern interpretation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and follows two rival gangs of different ethnicities in 1950’s New York. It also tells the dangerous romance between Tony, a former member of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of rival gang Sharks.
It premiered on Broadway in 1957 and was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning Best Choreography and Best Scenic Design. In 1961, it was adapted into film starring Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer. The film adaptation won 10 of the 11 Oscar nominations.
There is no word when Spielberg’s remake will premiere.
Are you excited for this? Share your thoughts below!
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