Casting call for new ‘West Side Story’ film

West Side Story film remake casting callIt has been announced that American director and producer Steven Spielberg is preparing to direct a new version of West Side Story, the classic 1961 film that won 10 Academy Awards. The revival will be adapted by screenwriter Tony Kushner and will feature the show’s original music.

 

This will be a first for Spielberg, who has reportedly never directed a complete musical, although he did have an on-screen role in the film adaptation of The Blues Brothers. Spielberg’s current film, The Post, stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.

 

Excitingly, open auditions have been announced for Spielberg’s West Side Story, with the casting call explicitly asking for performers between the ages of 15 and 25 to fill the main roles of Tony, Maria, Anita and Bernando.

 

Set in New York City in the 1950s, the iconic musical tells of the gang rivalry between the New York Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. It’s loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and features memorable numbers like “I Feel Pretty”, “America”, “Cool” and “Tonight.” The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein and the lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim. The original conception and choreography was by none other than Jerome Robbins.

 

The original 1961 film starred Rita Moreno, Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer and George Chakiris. It went on to rack up awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.

 

A release date has yet to be confirmed for the remake, but anyone keen to audition should email westsidestorycastingsearch@gmail.com.

 

According to Broadway World, the casting call said that applicants “must be able to sing” and that dance experience is a plus. It also specified that casting directors are looking for a Caucasian actor for Tony, Latina actresses for Maria and Anita, and a Latino actor for Bernardo, all between 15 and 25 years old.