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
Teddy Swims releases four surprise tracks on ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1.5)’
April 26, 2024
Warner RecordsFour surprise bonus tracks from Teddy Swims’ new album, I’ve Tried Everything But…
Reality Roundup: Lisa Vanderpump claps back, ‘Little People, Big World’ couple exits and more
April 26, 2024
Have no fear, your reality roundup is here! Here's a look at what happened in the world of reality…
“Smiles” for miles: Jeremy Renner posts video after a run
April 26, 2024
Disney+Less than a year and a half after being nearly crushed to death by a 7-ton snowplow, Jeremy…
Fantasia Barrino would love to replace Katy Perry as ‘American Idol’ judge
April 26, 2024
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty ImagesFantasia Barrino says she’d love to replace Katy Perry as a judge…
Zendaya teases releasing music again “one day”
April 26, 2024
Chris Haston/Warner Bros.Is Zendaya eying a return to music?During her appearance on The Jennifer…
Will Taylor Swift add ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ to The Eras Tour?
April 26, 2024
Javier Vicencio / Eyepix Group/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesThe last time Taylor Swift…
‘That Was Us’: Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore and Chris Sullivan announce ‘This Is Us’ podcast
April 26, 2024
L-R: Brown, Sullivan -- Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagicEmmy winner and Oscar nominee Sterling K. Brown took…
Weekend Watchlist: What’s new on streaming
April 26, 2024
Ready, set, binge! Here's a look at some of the new movies and TV shows streaming this…