Carol Lawrence, Larry Kert, Chita Rivera - West Side Story (1957 Original Broadway Cast)

What is there left to say about this musical, deservedly one of the most famous in the canon? Created by what lyricist Stephen Sondheim described as "a unique concatenation of people" (Leonard Bernstein, Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins), the show remains as explosively vibrant, daring, and modern as it was decades ago. Bernstein integrated Latin percussion and jazz into his electrifying score, dazzlingly translating New York's unique vitality into a musical idiom. West Side Story has been adapted for jazz and interpreted by pop and opera singers, but you owe it to yourself to check out the original version to see what the fuss was all about. This new reissue adds over 20 minutes of "symphonic dances" as well as liner notes and production photos. --Elisabeth Vincentelli Amazon.com

Broadway Classic Every Collector Should Own

This an absolutely fantastic cast recording. No other recording even comes close. Usually some revival cast recordings bring something new and we sometimes even prefer the revival recording but of all the hundreds of cast recordings I own, there is absolutely nothing that tops this album. It is absolutely timeless and a master work. And for the price offered here on Amazon, there is no better deal in town.

Treat yourself to what I think is the absolute BEST Broadway show ever performed by the most talented people in theatre. This was so innovative and different from what we normally saw that it will touch your heart so many times over while even listening to it one time. I can't go too long without listening to this wonderful recording. Bravo to our Beloved Leornard Berstein and Stephen Sondheim for bringing us such a national treasure. Enjoy! July 10, 2008

Satisfying

Having a CD recording of "West Side Story" that is a duplicate of the original 33 1/3 LP record that first delighted me when it was issued shortly after the musical debuted on Broadway is a great pleasure. It is just as I remembered it only better because now I don't have to sit by the turntable to hear it! May 9, 2008

Still the Best

There are several excellent versions of this great show - the familiar film soundtrack and Bernstein's own operatic recording with Te Kanawa and Carreras among them. This original recording, made within hours of opening night in 1957, remains the freshest and most vital, especially in the excellent remastered sound. The click of the flick knife in "The Rumble" is still one of the most electric sounds on record. The bonus of Bernstein's thrilling New York Philharmonic "Symphonic Dances" adds to the attractions of this issue. April 29, 2008

West Side Story

Great musical recording appropriate to the 50's in NYC. Recording is very good but lacks the warm tones of a 33 rpm recording. February 13, 2008

Amazing vocals

The vocals - particularly Carol Lawrence and Larry Kert - were so amazing I couldn't concentrate on work when I tried to listen to it there. Reproduction was excellent. The program notes insert was printed misaligned on a few pages, but it was a minor inconvenience. November 5, 2007

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