I read a terrific article at Lorehaven about the new film West Side Story. I agreed with so many of the thoughts, especially the way the writer Marian made a case for musicals fitting within the fantasy genre. Her terrific article also brought back fond memories. Be sure to check out her article.

Way back in 1981, I was choreographing for various musical theatre productions in the Twin Cities. I had a ball working on an ambitious production of West Side Story that was performed in a parking lot, with real cars driving into the set, and actual fire escapes on the side of the building that provided the backdrop of the staging. But rehearsing outdoors held some unexpected problems.

During tender moments, actors slapped frantically at attacking mosquitos. Dangerous pratfalls from fire escapes onto hidden mattresses kept my heart in my throat. But strangest of all, one night as I was working with the Sharks and Jets on the choreography for the rumble, we were interrupted by a police car bursting through the barriers and into the parking lot. We all froze as a K-9 unit pulled up as well, and a police officer stepped out. He looked around our motley group of performers, shaking his head and chuckling as he realized the mistake. I was tempted to have the cast start singing “When You’re a Jet” to prove they weren’t actual gang members. Apparently someone in a neighboring high rise saw the realistic street fighting and called the police.

The mixup brought us some great free press, and the show was one of my all time favorites. So when I went to see the new film, I was a little nervous about this new interpretation. I told my daughter, “If they take out the snapping fingers in the opening number, I’m walking out.”

I was delighted that the iconic snapping remained, as did the energy and spirit of story, all the wonderful music, and both a tribute to the original choreography along with wonderful new additions. My daughter and I had fun analyzing all the improvements, as well as a few things we thought worked better in the earlier film.

Most of all, the movie reminded me how I view the world. For me, it makes perfect sense that at any time people should break out into song, dance in the streets, and hear the orchestra swell.

How about you? Do you ever hear swelling orchestra music at emotional moments in your life? Do you see pieces of furniture as possible props for a dance number? Do you sing in the rain or spin with open arms to the hills that are alive with the sound of music?

My love for musicals threaded through both my fantasy series. The Sword of Lyric series includes music and songkeepers. The Dancing Realms series focuses on how dance can both express our heart and change us. If you love music or dance, I think you’ll enjoy both series.

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

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