this prologue and "the Quintet" were two of the best scenes ever introduced to us in the history of cinema. I am now 76 years old. a non Latino. the sharks were easily my favorite. George Chakiris was the coolest of them all. we were in 8th grade. even every macho boy wanted to learn how to dance after this.
A word about this video-- Some years back the work print of what us fans call the "Fosse edit" leaked, and I can't underplay how excited we were to find it, despite the lower quality. A friend of mine worked VERY hard to make a combined version using as much of the cut material (which producer David Sheehan claimed had been lost forever) into what was on the commercial edit--including those songs (and Guess I'll Miss the Man is so important to the show) as well as extended dance sequences, the famous talking head scene, etc. All in all this is 20 minutes longer than what was commercially released to TV, VHS and DVD. Kathryn Doby, the Fosse dancer who was responsible for mounting and re-staging his production for this filming, didn't even know the footage existed (a year or two ago there was a great book about Pippin, Magic to Do, and the author talks about the video and how upset even Fosse was by Sheehan's edit and she didn't know about the footage and was happy to get a copy to Doby.) I didn't think it had been posted on RU-vid but it might as well be shared with as many people as possible!
I am so grateful for this… it is EVERYTHING Stephen Sondheim wrote about in Sunday in the Park… The creative process …We are SO Lucky to see this AMAZING talent… THANK YOU
Thank you for posting this inspired & inspiring production with this super talented cast. I was there that night. Bob Fosse did a curtain speech prior to the show filmed at Hamilton Place in Ontario. 17 years old singing along in the front row with Martha Raye in my beige corduroy vest. What a memorable night!!
Wonderful scene and song within west side story and the choreography of this awesome masterpiece is incredible and awesome rip Tucker smith and rip David winters also rip Tony mordante miss all three of you guys and two thumbs up on this wonderful masterpiece from your biggest fan shalom Lowell
THIS. This scene cemented the 1961 version as one of the best renditions for me. Ice taking over as the new boss of a demoralized and raging Jets, this was the best use of "Cool". One of the best jazz dance ensemble sequences ever executed.
Someone commented that soon there will be division between those who have seen Elaine Stitch on stage and those who have not. I saw the original with her and Dean Jones and Donna McKechnie. What a thrill! And how wonderful that we have this film.
I worked at the James Alex Summer Theater in Dayton Ohio in 1961 when Rita appeared in DAMN YANKEES. She was delightful, energetic and friendly with everyone. A true professional.
