Applause News Blog

Most people know that West Side Story is one of the true American musical classics. West Side Story tells the modern day tale of a Romeo and Juliet love story. The show is being revived on Broadway right now in an open ended engagement that is most likely to run for years it seems. West Side Story is selling between $1.2 and $1.4 million dollars in ticket sales most weeks according to Playbill.com. I've seen the show a few months ago and although I've seen it in revival form at other times over the years, I thought it still had good relevance even for today.

West Side Story takes place in 1950's New York City as we see two rival gangs (The Jets and The Sharks) battle for the same neighborhood turf. The different ethnicity's create turbulent situations between the members of the gangs. The lead roles are Tony (played by Matt Cavanaugh) and Maria (played by Josefina Scaglione). The two are immediately drawn to each other as soon as they meet. Unfortunately, Maria, who is the sister of Bernardo (The Sharks gang leader), is forbidden to see Tony. Even though Tony's gang member days are in the past and he seems ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood and the aspect of being in love with Maria, their relationship only serves to fuel the "anger" between the gangs.

Karen Olivo plays the role of Bernardo's girlfriend. Ms. Olivo won a Best Featured actress Tony Award in 2009 for her outstanding portrayal of "Anita". She also appeared in In The Heights, the 2008 Tony Award Best Musical of the Year. She's an unbelievable dancer, sure to light up the Broadway stage for a long time to come.

West Side Story is directed by Arthur Laurents with music and lyrics by the legendary Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Choreography is by Jerome Robbins with some "re-staging by Joey McKneely. I loved the dancing in this revival of West Side Story and also the addition of a few of the songs that were sung in Spanish.

Despite the difficult economic times thus far in 2009, I must say, even with over 31 years in the Broadway Show ticket industry, I was surprised how well an older show like West Side Story has been selling to the crowds of New York City tourists and locals alike. In fact, most of the Broadway Shows have been doing well except for a few non-musicals that recently closed due to lack of sales. I think an old-time story that everyone on some level can still relate to as well as some modern changes to it might help to explain why West Side Story is still making lots and lots of ticket sales these days.

Although there are many shows playing on Broadway throughout the summer of 2009 and many more scheduled to start playing in the coming weeks, I would suggest you consider the possibility of obtaining tickets to West Side Story. If you need assistance, we hope you'll consider a call to Applause Theater Service in New York. Applause has been a New York State licensed ticket agency (license #71AP1001029)for nearly 22 years now and is an expert at securing the best seats for the best shows at the very best prices on Broadway.

If you get a minute, you should consider checking out Applause's Below Face Value ticket deals. BFV is the current Applause promotion that is making theater-goers to Broadway happier than ever. It's simple really, we save you money on just about every popular Broadway Show playing. We know the best discount offerings and pass on the savings to our customers.

Just tell them The Broadway Ticket Man said to call. That's me of course.

Sincerely,
Rich Gladstone
Applause Theater Service
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NY,NY 10036
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