Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' | Scoring Session | 20th Century Studios

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Rachel Zegler (María); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); Ana Isabelle (Rosalía); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); and Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works). Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers.

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also serves as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score; Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and Grammy®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who served as executive music producer for the film. The film is produced by Spielberg, Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show, with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and concept, direction and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

From 20th Century Studios, The Walt Disney Company will release “West Side Story” in U.S. theaters on December 10, 2021.

Twitter: @westsidemovie
Instagram: @westsidestorymovie
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[lukegoldstonofficial]

There was so much passion put into every Frame, Every Camera movement, Every Set, this film is the complete package. Out of all the movies released in 2021, West Side Story is the one that hasn’t left my mind since seeing it.

[theatreguy]

Please have a special feature when this comes out on digital where we can see all the recording sessions! This was amazing to see!

[gchchung]

There's something magical about Spielberg pulling out his cellphone to film Dudamel and the NY Phil - a true genius marvelling at other geniuses at work.

[laurenstark]

i love all these special features, i wish there was a longerlength documentary. still obsessed with the film it was so incredible.

[angelodimichino]

The best and most significant part of looking behind the scenes of a musical movie is the recording of the soundtrack

[thebrothaj]

wow…

the passionate conducting of dudamel…
the musicians playing their asses off…
the dancers who can’t help themselves ‘cause it’s in their souls…
and rita moreno being rita moreno…

the movie is fabulous, but this… this is magical. give us a movie of this!

[marcor]

Omg. Steven Speilberg humming along at 1:03 is exactly what I needed

[andykang]

Saw this 3 times in theater. First 15 minutes of this film is nothing short of a magic on screen. The only other time I ever felt this good was when I saw Raiders of the lost Ark for the first time.

[blanchefan]

I wish this sequence was about five times as long--thrilling--alive!! 💖💗💛💚💙

[G-]

So much love here. Dudamel is probably my favorite conductor ever, so getting him was a great decision. Love the energy of the soundtrack in this film. It's obvious that Spielberg understands the importance of music, especially THIS music, and that's been obvious for years with his collaboration with John Williams. God I love this movie, cannot wait to own it and see more of this!

[gambledw]

Outstanding ! Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at this ! Enjoyed it as much (maybe more?) as the movie version ! The unabashed joy is infectious ! Want to see more !

[oliviagow]

Just incredible
So much love went into this movie
I just hope ppl realise that and go and see it
I have seen it 3 times
It’s incredible

[Bill.R.]

Can that orchestra be any more FANTASTIC!! All amazing professionals just soaring in their craft. I'm sure the actors and dancers were distracting but such passion and energy by all.

[Chishannicon]

This is so cool to watch. You can tell that everyone involved was having a blast.

[Ccilie]

Do you know what makes me smile most ? Seeing that making the film was the most joyful process...
That’s what I feel when I watch the movie (6 times now), il feel JOY !

[brokecinephiletheatrenerd]

I'm addicted listening to the orchestration

[nicolewrytr]

Everything about this movie was filled with passion!

[valeriesmith]

What fun to come across this, and what a treat to see Rita Moreno.

[jct]

Another one of the Spielberg films not to be composed by John Williams, but the music of the film is just astounding! Very well done, Steven. Very well done, indeed! 😁

[susanvirgilio]

My two professional orchestral musician kiddos have attested to how hard this score is. Major, major props to the ensemble for some topnotch playing here (especially by low brass)!