West Side Stories: The Making of a Classic

As the world gears up to commemorate the 60th anniversary of “West Side Story” in 2017, dancer Bruno Tonioli and broadcaster Suzy Klein embark on a journey to uncover the real stories behind the creation of this iconic production. For the first time on television, they gather firsthand accounts from those who were part of the show’s Broadway debut in September 1957, including insights from Sondheim himself, producer Hal Prince, and original cast members from both the stage and film versions, such as Chita Rivera, Carol Lawrence, and Rita Moreno. Accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and specially selected singers, we revisit some of the remarkable music and, alongside Suzy and Bruno, explore how “West Side Story” brought the 1950s issues of racial tension and teenage gangs to the forefront, revolutionizing musical theatre.