[chicsta]

Hi peoples!
Just wondering what your thoughts are as to which is better....the stage show or the movie?
Personally I would take the stage show...

[Sean]

I like the stage version better!!!

[Leslie]

The movie is really quite bad. I used to adore it -- I was obsessed with it -- but compared to the potential that WSS has to be GREAT (which it is -- it's brilliant, really), the movie doesn't measure up. I still watch the movie waaay too much, tho, just so I can hear the music and see the show played out *almost* like it's supposed to be. I don't have enough money or time to go see the show on broadway, so my little DVD is the closest I can come to the real thing.

[Jemima Flute]

It can varry. The movie can do a lot more with scenes and settings that you can't get with the stage show. I was in a production of WSS, which many said was very good, better than the video. It was produced at the Winter Haven Theatre. Anybody see it? Of course out of the two weeks we put it on, I never got to see it because I was in the orchastra pit the whole time. Anyway, the music was always very good and the singers were very tallented.

[Griffin]

Well ... the movie is a bit castrated, especially "Gee, Officer Kupke", but there are some wonderful actors (well, not Tony)
It isn't bad either, but the stage makes more sense. There's no "bad luck", it is like that because it has to be like that.

Tamara "Griffin"

[Sunshine]

I love the movie, but the the stage show is much better. The ballet is one of my favorite parts of the musical and it's sad it's not in the movie.

[Stargazer]

Since I've only seen the movie I can't say anything, which is a shame ;_; I really want to go see it but I don't have enough money to go see it.. for i spent most of it to go see CATS and on fundrasier things.. mew.. I wanna see it live than the video.. but the video will have to do for now

[Elena]

No "Somewhere" ballet = BAD. That's one of the best parts of the show and, as my traditionalist self says, why mess with a good thing and take it out for the movie?

[Fordgirl]

The movie is wonderful, but the stage show is absolutely amazing - I love reading it, too - but the experience of seeing on stage is the best of all worlds.

[Beagle On Stage]

Definately the stage show. The movie changes songs around, reduces scenes, cuts stuff, etc. Also, they euphemize everything, making most of the songs much different from the stage show. (They won't even let Anita say "He's hot" or Riff say "If the spit hits the fan." This may be news to them, but there are much worse words out there.)

[Shancy-Shance]

I have not yet seen the stage version, but I really want to. It would just be such a powerful experience.

I do like how they switched "Cool" and "Gee, Officer Krupke!" in the movie, though. The spots of the two songs in the movie seemed too natural to have been switched, which I why I was very surprised to learn that they had been switched.

[Ordinary Fool]

Hm... To me this one is a greatly perplexing puzzle. I've yet to see the stage version (but it's my school musical this year, so I will be familiar with it)...

<<<Random musing by a Fool begins now... Skip if you have a life>>>

I find this rather amusing... Most of the people here prefer the stage version, but the stage version was not even the biggest hit of its year. According to a book in my school library (which is an instant sign of possible innaccuracy anyways, so correct me if I'm wrong), WSS's original Broadway run was around 900 shows. This book says The Music Man was released the same year, and outran WSS by a good 300-400 shows.

On the other hand the movie raked up in its year, scoring 9(? I'm not quite sure, it was a while since I last heard) Academy awards, most ever by a movie musicals...

If I have any screwed up info, please correct me...

-Fool

[Jennifer Lynn]

It would have to be the stage version, although there are things I do like about the movie version. (Don't get me wrong, I do love the movie and like to watch it again and again, but I don't consider it the quintessential version of this musical.)

Some of the orchestrations are terrific, for one thing. And I like Marni Nixon's voice. And my favorite aspect of the movie version is the switching of Krupke and Cool. In the stage version...maybe I've just never seen a stage version that builds up the pre-Cool tension satisfyingly, but it seems an awfully big song and dance to release what doesn't seem to be quite enough tension. Whereas in the movie, the fear, rage and anguish after the murders, Action's anger at the man who calls him "hoodlum", all building up at a breakneck pace to Ice's shout of "YOU'LL *LAUGH*!!!", leading into the excellent song and superb choreography...all of this achieves a power that wasn't in the stage version of this song. (Although I still can't help giggling when A-Rab yells "POW!!!" and laughs like a maniac for no discernible reason.)

But the movie version does have things working against it. Being dated, for one thing. Guess it couldn't be helped since it *did* take place in the 1950s, but it's still a little jarring. And many of the actors seem too old to be believable teenagers, and Richard Beymer is no great shakes as an actor. And, as mentioned before, the lack of the "Somewhere" ballet.

I wonder what a television remake, remedying these problems, might be like?

[spotlight*lover*]

Though there are things I like in the movie better. Gotta agree w/Jennifer Lynn-I like Krupke and Cool switched around. . .just seems to make more sense. I also like the guys in America and the movie orchestration better-I think it's more exciting. However, I cant STAND the way the songs are transposed down for the movie, and the way they rush through "Tonight" like a bullet train. I still LOVE both, though, despite the acting limitations of a certain lead character.

Oh, yeah, Ordinary Fool~ Music Man beat out WSS for best musical in 1957 because WSS's plot was too emotionally taxing. First time I heard that I practically screamed! Of all the injustices. . . .

[turkeyHONK!]

I would have to say that I like the stage version better. Seeing "America" live is so exciting. In the movie, the dancers seem way to comfortable and relaxed. I really like seeing the girls dancing their hearts out and being sassy. I don't think you quite get that with the guys added. I also like hearing the actual actors/actresses' voices. It's more interesting to watch triple threats than to listen to people who are dubbed in my opinion.

[Quique]

As far as the entire presentation, as a whole, packaged......none is better, they're two different animals. Live and filmed are two separate methods of delivery.

I know I'd rather visit Paris myself, rather than getting to know it from a T.V travel show.

If you were referring to the book and musical number's sequencing or general script. The movie version seems to make better use, of the show's emotional power, in it's rearranging of some musical numbers which make the story more effective. Though, "America" was dramatically altered for film, it's the best version for the cinema. The stage version is the best version for the stage, because it's the most thrilling. It's a thrill that does not transfer to film due to the live aspect being gone. On film, the song's over-all message and situation should move the story forward, not make it stand still.

On stage, that's what showstoppers are made of, making time stand still. A live audience is willing to let the story freeze and stand still, so that Anita can express her inner emotions through dance. In film, there's no time for that. That's why movie musicals worked so well back in the day, every form of entertainment involved a presentation and entertaining was the key. Nowadays, an audience can't be entertained unless it's believable and real. The film version of "America" works because it moves the story forward with an entertaining look at the battle of the sexs. Expression through dance sits in the backseat, but rigns supreme on stage.

If it's between a live performance and a film, well the film version works for film and the stage version works for the stage. If some director stages the film version, then there needs to be a serious change of director. Directors like that are clueless! Clueless because they think the impact is no different, than the two very distinctly different methods of delivering them and the artistic reasons behind their alterations.

[ICraftThereforeIAm]

The movie is very good, and I watch it all the time (One of few movie musicals that I don't hate with a passion, but actually enjoy), but I think the stage show is better because the dancing, especially the original Jerome Robbins choreo, from up close is breath taking, put with a booming orchestra and larger than life sets (depending on the producition), the live expirience can be incredible

[SparkleKitti]

Just a quick thought- I agree with everyone who says the stage version is better, because it keeps A Boy like That/I have a Love, which is my absolute favorite song in the show! The movie doesn't have it, right?

[Jennifer Lynn]

Oh, it has the song, but it cuts out the whole section where Maria and Anita are singing counterpoint.

[Irvine]

As someone who saw the professional stage production before seeing the movie, I have watched the movie 3 times now and every time it's been a painful experience... especially now that I've played Tony myself.

I agree that switching "Cool" and "Krupke" works better in the movie, but in the stage show, you NEED "Krupke" in the second act - it's the only light relief for the whole of Act II.

The movie version of "America," in my opinion, is just plain embarrassing. But I've spoken about that in other threads, so I'll leave it alone here.

I just find the movie really dated. Dated and camp. How it won 11 Academy Awards (putting it on par with "Titanic" and "The Return of the King") is completely beyond me.

Interestingly, I recently bought a C.D. of the show - the 2-disc set from the 1993 English professional production. (I was looking for a soundtrack with great orchestra performances, but without the awful-sounding opera singers - fortunately, this one fits the bill pretty well - and it's also got Caroline O'Conner, who was the first Anita I ever saw on stage in Melbourne! )

Anyways, there is a foreword in the C.D.'s booklet, by the director of this particular season. Here are some of his thoughts...

"The film won 11 Academy Awards and was a huge hit. But the creators were not entirely happy with the results. Laurents felt the film was "too literal" a medium for a show which Sondheim says is "about the theatre." While Robbins was hired as choreographer and co-director of the film, he was released fairly early in the filming, as he was taking "too long." Bernstein's score was re-orchestrated (Hollywood-ized), Sondheim re-wrote some lyrics and Laurents's brilliant book was make into a screenplay by Ernest Lehman. A great many changes were made for the film...

"The film does work as a whole but I do not think you can play with the stage version. There have been three NYC revivals. I truly believe that if the creators thought the film changes were improvements, they would have used them in one of the revivals. I have directed the show twelve times and done it exactly as it is written... Even attempts at updating the show are to be avoided since racial prejudice is by no means a thing of the past."

Some interesting thoughts there from a man who obviously knows what he is talking about!

Incidently, this C.D. comes with all of the "alternate" versions of the songs on the second disc. So everyone's happy. [/i]

[SunshineDancer]

Though I love the movie, I think I'd have to say that I enjoy the stage version even more. One of the things I like the most about West Side Story is all the dancing, and I think seeing the stage production, if it's done right, allows the audience to really see the dancing. In the movie, I felt like in some of the big dance numbers, such as "America," all the flashy camera angles made that impossible.

[snowie86]

[snowie86]

[barrynorthstreet]

I saw the stage version around week and a half ago, but have never performed WSS....

I enjoyed it but found it VERY depressing.

I just watched the film and I adored every minute of it! Though, it was very depressing. The "Krupke"/"Cool" switch was a brilliant turn, but I thought "Krupke" was a lively addition to Act II and liveliness was an element that act lacked... I thought the film was excellent as a film.. and I'm a man who knows his movies. but that is just my opinion, and like I said I've never performed it so I dont' know it as closely as any of you guys.

[Salome]

the film version of "America: is a vast improvement over the stage version of the song..having it be between bernardo and anita makes much more sense.and this version is used in most pro stage versions now. and Chakaris as Bernardo is damned sexy!.

over all i love both versions..as it was stated earlier they are different animals.

[Fantine]

[ADistantMoonAgo]

I saw both and I prefer the movie.
I dont know, you just fall in love with actors

as i am in love with the guy who plays bernardo *swoons*

[Griffin]

[Kevinm1986]

I think "Cool" feels horribly awkward where it is in the movie. That just doesn't seem like the right place for a big ensemble dance number.

[Ilona]

I love the movie but I also like the stage version better. I tend to find this true with all musicals. There is just something about being there live, seeing the dancing, hearing the singing, lol and in the case of the productio my brother was in....seeing the gun not go off when Chino shoots Tony.

[RainbowJude]

The film is brilliantly structured but I'm not a fan of most of the cast or of their performances. For me, part of the wonder of West Side Story is watching the synthesis of dancer, actor and singer in one person. And the dubbing of just about everyone in the cast ruins that part of experiencing this narrative. I also feel that the dubbed voices are rather bland and don't seem particularly well acted. This is particularly problematic in the characterisation of Maria and Tony, both of whom have remarkable developments in character embedded in the score.

The stage is a very difficult show to pull off because it demands so much from its performers. But if the right cast works on the project with an insightful directing and choreographic team - well, it's just magic. So I guess I prefer the stage show overall.

Later days
David

[One Song Glory]

I love both the movie and stage show... but since I was in the show itself I'm more biased towards it...
Nothing, in my opinion, beats live theatre. I agree with RainbowJude, it's a hard show because it demands a lot from the performers. Most of my friends were in the show, two of which had the leads - Maria and Tony, and they went through so much to bring out the best performances.
Especially my friend who played Tony. He had to work on expression, and everything, but he was amazing. Our opening night, he comes back from singing 'Something's Coming' and he was completely overwhelmed by the audience's reaction.

I had a pretty important part, so I too had to go through a lot of work to make sure I gave a great performance. Doc isn't really the easiest character to play and it's hard because you don't want to come across as trying to copy the film.

I love the movie too, it's just so good for a movie musical.... but the stage version will always be better... like in the case of Rent.

[Kaiana]

Regardless of which one's better, I'm just happy they HAVE a movie version for those of us who can't afford to go see it.

[mantarnia]

Can someone please explain to me why in a vote between the movie and show there is only a box to tick for the movie. Not exactly suprising that it has 100% of the vote.

[mantarnia]

[eagil]

Stage show. I just saw it last month, and the ballet...

You just can't compare a movie with it's musical. There are things you can do with film that you can't do on stage, and vice versa. Such as the ballet, as they obviously decided. My two cents.

-Tani

[Zines]

uh the stage version is much much much better. I think because you feel like your actually there if you know what I mean.

[SimplyElymas]

I can't believe no one's mentioned this - in the movie, everyone is COATED in makeup, and there are about two actual Latinos in the whole cast.

Stage all the way.

[Reds]

The stage version is my favorite. I love the ballet after Riff and Bernardo are killed which is not in the movie.

[Tiny-Tot]

I've only seen a local performance of the show and I thought it was great. The dancing and chorography was just great and the characters were really good in the roles they performed. I really enjoyed the sets especially Maria's balcony(fire escape) and the Tonight number with the cast just brought chills up and down my arms. I usually like the stage versions even though I don't get to see but local stuff, but it is the atmosphrere that a movie cannot deliver.

[NoOneMournsTheWicked]

[Matthew]

[dyinginamericaxRENThead]

i have not seen the musical
but i love the movie.
so movie.

[Mr_X]

I gotta go with the stage show. I mean, I like the movie and all, but it had a lot of weak points. I didn't like the switch of "Krupke" and "Cool," I always felt that "Krupke" was a lightener and high-energy number in Act II that was needed and it was one of the only chances for the individual Jets to stand out without Riff.

I was dismayed to learn that all of Tony's music was lowered. "Something's Coming," "Maria," "Tonight." All lowered. Pitiful, as it's such a great tenor part, but it sounds so weird as a baritone. "America" was great, though I feel bad for the girl who played Rosalita (sp.?), thinking before the movie was filmed that she would be the other girl singing.

I agree about the make-up. They all look so shiny. Tony looks like he's wearing a lot, even more than Maria. They changed a lot of small details, like having Bernardo "brand" Baby John instead of A-Rab in the prologue. I don't understand those small changes, and I don't like them.

[NoOneMournsTheWicked]