West Side Story Featurette Showcases Behind-the-Scenes Footage

November 19, 2021

20th Century Studios has debuted a brand new West Side Story featurette for Steven Spielberg’s long-awaited film adaptation of the classic Broadway musical, which is currently slated to hit the theaters on December 10.

The video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s pre-production rehearsals and recording sessions as well as the production of major musical numbers. It gives us a glimpse of its production wrap where Spielberg expressed how honored he is to be able to direct this project late in his career. The featurette also offers us a glimpse of original star Rita Moreno’s new rendition of the song “Somewhere (There’s a Place For Us).”

Go behind the scenes in the making of Steven Spielberg’s #WestSideStory in this new featurette. Experience the film only in theaters December 10. pic.twitter.com/pFhK2iP6Eb

— West Side Story (@WestSideMovie) November 18, 2021

Based on the hit 1957 musical by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This new adaptation will once again center around the romance of Tony and Maria, who fall in love despite being affiliated with rival gangs.

This reimagining of the beloved musical is being led by Rachel Zegler (Shazam! Fury of the Gods) as Maria, and Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver) as Tony. Joining them are Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Mike Faist as Riff, Josh Andrés Rivera as Chino, Ana Isabelle as Rosalia, Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank, Brian d’Arcy James as Officer Krupke, and Rita Moreno as Valentina, who is one of the original stars of the 1961 film adaptation.

West Side Story is directed by Oscar-winner filmmaker Steven Spielberg from a screenplay adapted by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tony Kushner. 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.