NeoPatrick

I've had a lot of discussion on this production, as my house guest this week was a consultant on the current West Side Story revival -- among other things he's the curator or historian or whatever for the Jerome Robbins Foundation. It took about 6 times of his mentioning discussions or suggestions he had for "Artie" to realize that Artie is Arthur Laurents. It seems there was quite a bit of controversy over how much of the Spanish to use, and it ended up being a compromise. I get the feeling my guest feels also that too much was left in, but he did get his way with having the subtitles they were playing with removed as they were a total distraction.

HowardR

CPG, I knew you'd love it! And, I somewhat agree with your comments about "A Boy Like That." The words are indeed powerful. Obviously, their final treatment of that song certainly reflects compromise, since eventually, the two of them sing the words in English!
Still, as you said, the use of Spanish may be a drawback, but the show is still one very powerful experience.
Patrick, I envy you having the show's consultant as a houseguest. The previously mentioned New York Magazine article about Laurents left the impression that he wasn't the easiest person to work with.
Anyone planning to see the show in the future should get tickets now, as it is selling out.

NeoPatrick

"The previously mentioned New York Magazine article about Laurents left the impression that he wasn't the easiest person to work with."

My lips are sealed. My guest was representing the Jerome Robbins foundation interests.

Centralparkgirl

And Jerome Robbins wasn't a sweetheart to work with either. And when you think about it, a lot of 'artists' are not easy people in general - where talent soars, egos follow.

Just wondering about Artie's motivation. I read somewhere (you did too, I'm sure) that the whole Spanish idea originated with his partner who saw a production in South America. Do you think that now that his partner is dead, it was sort of Laurents' tribute to him? And why he pushed for the translations?

This week's Time magazine has a dreadful review, calling WSS a 'faded classic.' Oh, what do they know?

HowardR

It's one thing not to like this version...but a faded classic? Give me a break!

NeoPatrick

What does that even mean?

Faded classic -- like Hamlet? Gone With the Wind? Medea?

And yes, CPG, I got my share of Jerome Robbins stories too!

Lesli

The New Yorker was quite enthusiastic:
http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critic...h_theatre_lahr

Presocia

HowardR -- Any thoughts on seats that are Mezz AA, 18-20 (which I believe would be at the very end of the first row)?

I have never been to this theatre, but am about to book tickets for next month. Like you mentioned, I know I want to be in the mezzanine to see the choregraphy. Just curious as to whether sitting this far to one side of the theatre would be a disadvantage.

Thanks for your perspective.

Centralparkgirl

The orchestra was perfect to see the choreography. You just don't want to be too close or too far to the sides. Do you have any more centered options?

Presocia

When I ran another search, seats F 2-4, in the mezzanine came up. By looking at the seating chart on the theatre website these look like a better location. Just a little off center.

Centralparkgirl

Nothing in the orchestra?

NeoPatrick

Prescocia, I'm a huge fan of front row mezzanine seats for musicals. I sat in the front row mezzanine of the Palace for Legally Blond and loved those seats. But you are right that AA 18 and 20 are against the wall, and I'm not sure if your view might even be blocked by a box or something.

So I probably would take F 2 and 4 over those at the very end of the front row. Row F mezzanine is essentially above row Q of the orchestra. I wouldn't do any orchestra further back than that, in fact I probably would avoid orchestra seats past about row M as once you're under the overhang of the mezzanine I think it seriously hurts the sound -- and also tends to give me claustrophobia. Row AA of the mezzanine overhangs row K of the orchestra.

Presocia

NeoPatrick, thank you for your detailed knowledge of the theatre. I went ahead and purchased the Mezz, F, 2&4 tickets. I'm very excited to see this show and have my first Broadway experience.

NeoPatrick

For future reference, Playbill.com has seating charts for most of the theatres. You find them on their website by scrolling down the left hand column almost to the end and clicking on the right theatre. It even tells you which row the mezzanine or balcony overhangs -- which can make a big difference in determining how close you will be.

HowardR

You'll do fine, viewing-wise, with F2 and F4. We actually sat a row or two in back of those seats and we were very happy with the seats. You definitely made the better choice.

Skiergirl

I just saw it this week. I sat in the Orchestra, Row J, seats 101 and 102, view was perfect.

starrs

What a great first Broadway experience!

NeoPatrick

Well, the new Broadway version of West Side Story may be a little more "up do date", but it has nothing on this brand new modern version:

http://www.newsday.com/media/flash/2009-04/46217527.swf

Centralparkgirl

That's hysterical.

HowardR

Patrick, that's great!!!!!!! Love it!