Steven Spielberg’s remake of the original 1961 movie West Side Story was projected to do very well in theaters, but the opposite happened.  On Dec. 10, the musical was released to theaters around the country, and made a mere $36.6 million in ticket sales.  Critics are saying that the musical flopped in theaters because it failed to attract a large audience.  This is mainly due to the movie being targeted to an older audience, which is more reluctant to visit theaters due to the spike in Omicron cases.  Another reason for low profits  was because it was released around the same time as Spiderman: No Way Home, a long-awaited and successful Marvel film.  

“Even though the movie didn’t receive a lot of media attention, I still really enjoyed it and recommend others watch it too,” said freshman Kaitlyn Schecther.

The musical West Side Story is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s  classic Romeo and Juliet.  The Jets, a white gang, are warring with rival gang the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang over control of San Juan Hill on Manhattan’s West Side.  The main characters, Tony and Maria, fall in love at first sight during a high school dance in 1957.  However, because they are from warring gangs, their love is forbidden,  and is the premise for the main conflict throughout the entire musical. 

 “Steven Spielberg rediscovers the breathing, troubling essence of a classic, building a bold and current screen musical with no pretense to perfection.” said film critic A.O Scott in his review for The New York Times. 

West Side Story’s talented cast includes Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the original movie in 1961, returns in the remake to play pharmacist Valentina.  Ansel Elgort plays the main character Tony, Rachel Zegler plays the female lead Maria, and Maddie Ziegler, an American dancer and actress known for appearing on reality TV show Dance Moms, plays Diesel’s girlfriend Velma.  Riff, the gang leader of the Jets, is played by Mike Faist, Anita, Bernado’s girlfriend and Maria’s sister, is played by Ariana DeBose, and Bernado, leader of the Sharks, is played by David Alvarez.  

  In 1961, Robert Wise produced the film West Side Story that Spielberg’s musical is based on.  Although Wise’s and Spielberg’s are similar, there are a few differences.  For example, Tony’s backstory is different from the original.  In Wise’s film, Tony’s reason for avoiding a fight is because of his job and he wants a better future, whereas in Spielberg’s remake, Tony is an ex-convict who wants to avoid a fight because he doesn’t want to violate his parole.  Maria’s story is also a little different in this version.  Instead of recently arriving in America for her arranged marriage to Chino in the original, she has been in New York City for years.  Another change that was made is the character of Doc, who is replaced by the role of Valentina.  

“I really enjoyed the original West Side Story and I am excited to see Spielberg’s version,” said freshman Ryann Engel. 

Although West Side Story did not attract many viewers to theaters, reviews for the movie have been mostly good.  The musical received 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.  Many critics compliment the choreography and the singing performances in the musical.  

“This West Side Story may be grittier and more realistic than the original movie, but it also feels more thrillingly old-fashioned than anything a Hollywood studio has released in ages,” writes film critic Justin Chang in his review for NPR.  

Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story can be watched at any local theater.  West Side Story is currently  available in theaters, however by the end of Jan., the musical will be streaming on Disney+.  

“I highly recommend seeing West Side Story in theaters. It greatly adds to the whole experience,” said freshman Annie Li.