Wednesday (Sept. 26) marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of West Side Story on Broadway. I did the show in high school, playing a Jet called Mouthpiece, which seemed a funny name since I had few lines. (I went to an all boys high school, Cardinal Hayes in the Bronx, and we brought in girls to do the shows, which explains a lot about the popularity of theater at Hayes. )
To me, if you are thinking of an audio track for a baby boomer turning 50, there are several great choices in West Side Story. If you can find it, the wackiest is Little Richard singing “I Feel Pretty.” (Here is a link to a YouTube video that uses LR’s version.)
Here are some West Side Story links:
- Official West Side Story site
- Wikipedia entry on WSS
- Library of Congress news release on WSS exhibit
- Article on Rita Moreno (written by Mrs. Year of Turning 50)
2 responses so far ↓
1 Rhea // Sep 24, 2007 at 9:44 am
I love this show and Rita Moreno, too.
2 John Cutter // Sep 24, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Mrs. Year of Turning 50 said Rita was an excellent interview, very gracious and accessible with her time. (and, in keeping with your post of older women who look great, Rita could make that list.)
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