Category: News

Stephen Spielberg’s new rendition of the iconic musical West Side Story is packed with unfamiliar faces. Much of the cast find themselves breaking out on the big screen for the first time, fresh off the stages of Broadway. One of these up-and-coming stars is Ariana DeBose, who takes up the torch once carried by the great Rita Moreno, in the role of Anita. During a recent press junket, DeBose was asked what it was like to follow in the footsteps of someone as iconic as Moreno. Her answer immediately, and appropriately, addressed the topic of race and how it factored into the doubt she had about being cast:

Y’know, I feel like my answer to that question is going to change every time. Depending on the moment I’m in. When I was first asked to audition, I had to be pushed into the room. I inherently did not think this was ever a job that I would book, because Anitas don’t look like us. They look like Rita Moreno.

Ariana DeBose

The actress, who has darker skin than most of her costars, felt it was important this aspect be explored in her character’s updated storyline. She went on to explain:

I was, not shocked, but just like really amazed that Stephen [Spielberg] and Tony [Kushner] were open to having the conversation around it. Because it was something I said in the room, ‘If we don’t want to touch on that, y’know, by virtue of me being a black woman, and that can inform this character’s path, then maybe this isn’t the choice for you. Maybe I’m not the choice for you.’ And then you get the job and you’re like ‘Oh my gosh, okay, cool. I have a point of view. I know what I’m trying to accomplish and I feel prepared. Everything’s going to be fine.’

Ariana DeBose

Luckily, the filmmakers behind the production agreed to make this part of Anita’s arc in the movie. Now fans are fortunate to have DeBose’s fresh take on the character to root for when the film drops on December 10th.

West Side Story recently held its world premiere, with critics praising the highly-anticipated adaptation of the beloved classic. Unfortunately, though, as the film readies to hit theaters, those involved are mourning the loss of Stephen Sondheim, who passed away on Nov. 26 from cancer. Sondheim, of course, penned the lyrics to West Side Story‘s memorable songs, along with lyrics for Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods. During a recent press junket for the film, the cast was asked what it was like to sing his songs that are still relevant to this day. Rachel Zegler, who plays Maria in the film, shared her experience:

I think I can speak for everyone here today that a lot of us wouldn’t be here without the words of Stephen Sondheim. We are so lucky to not only be able to sing his lyrics, but to be able to talk to him about them. We consider them silly anecdotes because of how iconic they are but, he was always wanting to change them, and always wanting to evolve them. It’s really inspiring as an artist to watch someone who had created this insane piece of work and he still has things he wants to change sixty-four years later. I certainly wouldn’t be performing without Stephen Sondheim. May his memory be a blessing.

Rachel Zegler

While West Side Story still has a rabid fanbase all these years later, Sondheim admitted the lyrics embarrassed him as recently as last year. During an interview with ABC, the lyricist talked about being critical of his work on West Side Story.

There are moments in it that embarrass me,” he told them. I’ll give you a poetic one. Says Tony in ‘Tonight,’ ‘today the world was just an address.’ I thought, ‘wait a minute, that sure sounds like he’s been reading a lot to me.’ I can’t imagine that a kid would say, having just met this girl and being, you know, the kind of kid he is, a street kid, would come up with a phrase that fancy.

Stephen Sondheim

Thankfully, Sondheim was involved in the making of the movie, and while he may be gone, his work continues to live on through it. You can check out our review on the Steven Spielberg adaptation by clicking here.

West Side Story hits theaters on Dec. 10.