West Side Story dances into theaters this Friday and director Steven Spielberg credits the “invaluable” Rita Moreno for making the movie what it is.
“She was an invaluable asset to our entire production and she kept a kind of moral compass for us and continued to give us purpose,” the esteemed director told ABC News.
“Why are we telling the story again? Because the power of the story needs to be told to a generation who perhaps have never heard of West Side Story. That was another reason I wanted to bring this movie out now,” the 74-year-old director added.
The musical, inspired by William Shakespeare‘s Romeo and Juliet, is set in New York City and follows the story of Tony and Maria — two star-crossed lovers with ties to rival gangs that are fighting for control over their Upper West Side neighborhood. The musical tackles themes of violence, racism and sexual assault.
Ansel Elgort, who stars as Tony in West Side Story, says the groundbreaking film earned a seal of approval from the late, legendary composer Stephen Sondheim.
“Sondheim was able to see it before he passed and he loved it,” the 27-year-old actor revealed. “It’s so sad that he’s gone, but what a legend and how great to be able to celebrate him at this time with this great piece of work.”
Rachel Zegler stars as Maria and some critics predict her performance could score an Oscar nod for Best Actress. She credits her “old soul” for helping her dive into character and, when discussing her “technique,” she says her talent was born from being “raised on classic films” such as “All About Eve and George Cukor‘s The Women.”
West Side Story bows in theaters Friday, December 10.
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Mattel revs up Matchbox movie with ‘Extraction’ franchise director Sam Hargrave in the driver’s seat
May 7, 2024
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for NetflixBarbie became the biggest movie of 2023 and, as reported,…
Music notes: Post Malone, Gwen Stefani and more
May 7, 2024
The 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards will feature several pop artists as performers. At the May…
“We all love you”: Hilary Duff welcomes baby #4, Townes Meadow Bair
May 7, 2024
Lionel Hahn/Getty Images, FILEHilary Duff is now a mom of four.The Lizzie McGuire and How I Met…
Meghan Trainor’s new video co-stars her husband, son … and Niecy Nash
May 7, 2024
Lauren DunnMeghan Trainor's new video is a family affair.The clip, for her song "To the Moon,"…
Dua Lipa to headline Austin City Limits Music Festival 2024
May 7, 2024
Disney/Randy HolmesDua Lipa has yet to announce a tour in support of her new album, Radical…
Jeremy Renner is “coming out stronger” as ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ shooting draws to an end
May 7, 2024
Paramount+On his Instagram on Tuesday afternoon, Jeremy Renner posted a smiling photo taken behind…
Robert Downey Jr. to make Broadway debut in this fall’s ‘McNeal’
May 7, 2024
Good Morning AmericaFresh from his everything-winning run for Oppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr. is…
Taylor Swift/Scooter Braun feud inspires new docuseries
May 7, 2024
Beth GarrabrantHere's the good news: Taylor Swift's feud with Scooter Braun, which inspired her to…