Stars of the Stage- Notable Actors Who Portrayed Roles in the Iconic Musical ‘West Side Story’
Who starred in West Side Story? This iconic musical, which was first performed on Broadway in 1957, has left an indelible mark on the world of theater. The original cast included some of the most talented actors and dancers of the time, contributing to the show’s enduring popularity and success.
The lead characters in West Side Story are the Sharks and the Jets, two rival street gangs in New York City. The Sharks, led by Bernardo, are Puerto Rican, while the Jets, led by Tony, are white. The story follows the tragic love story between Maria, a member of the Sharks, and Tony, a member of the Jets, as the two gangs clash in a fierce rivalry that ultimately leads to tragedy.
One of the most memorable performances in West Side Story was by George Chakiris, who played the role of Riff, the Sharks’ leader. Chakiris was a young, charismatic actor who brought a sense of intensity and passion to the role, making Riff a truly unforgettable character. His performance was so compelling that he won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.
Another standout performance came from Rita Moreno, who played Anita, the Sharks’ female leader. Moreno was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, becoming the first Hispanic actress to win an Academy Award for her role in West Side Story. Her portrayal of Anita was both powerful and nuanced, capturing the complexity of her character’s emotions and struggles.
In the role of Tony, Larry Kert brought a depth and sensitivity to the character that made him a perfect fit for the role. Kert’s performance was characterized by his strong voice and his ability to convey the internal conflict that Tony experiences as he tries to reconcile his love for Maria with his loyalty to the Jets.
Marni Nixon, who provided the singing voice for Natalie Wood’s character Maria, also played a significant role in the show. Although Wood did not sing live on stage, Nixon’s voice was used in the film adaptation, and her performance was crucial to the success of the movie.
The supporting cast of West Side Story also included many talented actors, such as Russ Tamblyn as Roko, who added a sense of humor and lightness to the story, and David Wayne as Doc, the Jets’ leader, who provided a counterbalance to the fiery Bernardo.
In conclusion, the success of West Side Story can be attributed to the incredible performances of its cast members. The original Broadway cast, with their passion, talent, and commitment to the show, set the standard for future productions and ensured that West Side Story would remain a timeless classic in the world of musical theater.
