Film & TV NewsRita Moreno Will Return to West Side Story for New Film AdaptationThe EGOT winner will appear in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming movie after winning an Oscar for her performance as Anita.
By
Ryan McPhee
November 27, 2018
Rita Moreno
Austin Hargrave
Rita Moreno isn’t done mamboing. The stage and screen legend will appear in Steven Spielberg’s new film version of West Side Story, a representative has confirmed.
Moreno, who earned an Oscar in 1962 for her performance as Anita in the original movie adaptation of the classic musical, will play Valentina, an expanded version of the musical’s Doc (the corner store owner). The EGOT winner will also serve as an executive producer on the project.
As previously reported, Ansel Elgort is set to star as Tony; no word yet on further casting. Also attached for the new take on Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents' musical are Angels in America scribe Tony Kushner as screenwriter and Carousel Tony winner Justin Peck as choreographer.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself revisiting this seminal work,” said Moreno in a statement. “And to be asked by Steven Spielberg to participate is simply thrilling. Then to work together with the brilliant playwright, Tony Kushner—what a glorious stew! I am tingling!”
Earlier this month, it was reported that Moreno, who can currently be seen on Netflix's One Day at a Time reboot, would appear in another movie musical: In the Heights. The announcement, however, was quickly refuted.
Production on West Side Story is expected to begin in summer 2019, months before a new revival from Ivo van Hove is expected to arrive on Broadway.
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Celebrate 65 Years of West Side Story With a Look Back at the Original Production From Rehearsals to Backstage to Showtime
Celebrate 65 Years of West Side Story With a Look Back at the Original Production From Rehearsals to Backstage to Showtime
Composer Leonard Bernstein, playwright Arthur Laurents, choreographer Jerome Robbins (seated), costume designer Irene Sharaff, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, producer Robert Griffith, and production assistant Sylvia Drulie
Jerome Robbins and cast
Leonard Bernstein
Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence
Peter Gennaro and Tony Mordente
Chita Rivera, Ken LeRoy, Larry Kert, and Carol Lawrence
Peter Gennaro
Stephen Sondheim on piano with Leonard Bernstein and Carol Lawrence
Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Hal Prince, Robert Griffith, Leonard Bernstein, and Jerome Robbins
Filmed in 2023, the one-night-only event featured Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, Peter Friedman, and more from the Ahrens and Flaherty musical's original cast.
