West Side Story

Whether you’ve learned every kick from “America” or every word from “I Feel Pretty,” many dancers have a serious connection with—and affection for—the classic musical West Side Story. Originally produced on Broadway in 1957 (with showstopper Chita Rivera as Anita), the show is set in the gang-ridden Upper West Side of NYC during the 1950s. Although the Puerto Rican Sharks and caucasian Jets are bitter rivals, Maria and Tony, from respective sides, fall in love, just like Romeo and Juliet.

West Side Story
‘s seamless blend of dialogue, song and dance was created and originally directed by the legendary Jerome Robbins. His movement and vision, along with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and libretto by Arthur Laurents, swirl together in vibrant strands of emotion.

The hit has been revived a few times (Debbie Allen earned a Tony Award–nomination when she played Anita in 1980) and made into a movie in 1961. Now it’s being restaged on Broadway for younger generations to enjoy! It follows the original story, with direction by Laurents and Robbins’ choreography, reproduced by Joey McKneely. But it will be grittier, with the gang members portrayed as serious killers, not misunderstood teens. Plus Spanish dialogue will be woven into the text and songs.

The all-star cast is bound to wow audiences with triple-threat prowess. Read on to meet three dancers who are refreshing this phenomenal piece.

Cody Green

Role:
Riff, The Jets’ leader

Training:
The Juilliard School

Previous Gigs:
You probably recognize Cody as the winner of Bravo!’s series, “Step It Up & Dance.” But, he’s no stranger to the stage: Before WSS, Cody danced in the tour of Mamma Mia, and played Eddie both in the London and Broadway productions of Movin’ Out. Catch him on screen in Center Stage: Turn It Up and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Childhood connection to
WSS: “Although I’d never seen the show, when I was 12, I sang ‘Cool’ from West Side Story at an audition class; it was the first song I ever knew to perform. Now, I’ll be singing it on Broadway!”

WSS Challenge: “Because the story, song and dance are seamless, you have to go from an enraging scene to a song, then to a dance. It’s challenging to jump like that and be in the moment.”

Advice for
WSS hopefuls: “Work on singing and acting, and start young! Train and make an investment in these areas just like you do in dance class.”

Marina Lazzaretto

Role:
Jet Girl (Hotsie) and dance captain

Professional Gigs:
Norwegian Cruise Line, New York Theatre Ballet, Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the European tour of West Side Story

Fave Aspect of WSS on Broaway:
“The creative team wants actors, not just dancers. Because of this, the quality of performance is outstanding.”

Connection to
WSS: Her sister played Maria in the first live production of WSS Marina ever saw!

Fave
WSS Moments: Arthur Laurents, the show’s librettist and now director, gave the ensemble members new character names to match their personal energy. Marina is now “Hotsie” to compliment her bubbly, powerful persona! Marina also loves interacting with choreographer Joey McKneely. “Joey is so funny and charismatic. He’s also always able to get the best out of you.”

Favorite Parts to Dance:
“My heart is in ballet, so I love the ballet scene in the second act. It’s so elegant and loving.”

Dance Captain Duties:
In November, Marina was named dance captain of the show, meaning she’ll make sure the movement is kept in top shape for current, and future, cast members. Although it’s a lot of work, she’s honored!

Tanairi Sade Vazquez

Role:
Shark Girl (Lupe)

Training:
Dance Sensations, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts for dance and the State University of New York, Purchase

Past Gigs:
Tanairi is a WSS veteran. She’s been on the Asian and European tour after earning the gig at an open call she attended while in college!

Connection to
WSS: “My parents are Puerto Rican, and my mom loves the movie. She showed it to me when I was young. The women in ‘America’ reminded me of my aunts in Puerto Rico—so strong and outspoken. I thought: ‘WOW.'”

Best Part of Broadway
WSS: “Joey and Arthur are making changes from the tour version to refresh it. I love that! All of their modifications have made it even more real and natural.”

Finding Inspiration:
Tanairi decided to create a background for her role, Lupe, and fashioned it after Cuban singer La Lupe. “She wore false eyelashes and lots of jewelry. When she sang, she’d toss them off! She was fearless.”

Dream Roles:
Anita in WSS or anyone in In the Heights

From top: Photo by Joan Marcus; Douglas Gorenstein; Rob Klein