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Steven Spielberg is lining up some top-notch musical talent for his adaptation of “West Side Story.”
L.A. Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the orchestra and Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Caroline, or Change”) will serve as vocal coach to the cast.
Also joining the music team: arranger David Newman (“Anastasia:) and executive music producer Matthew Rush Sullivan, whose film credits include “Chicago, “Hairspray,” and “Dreamgirls.”
The film stars Ansel Elgort of “Baby Driver” and newcomer Rachel Zegler as star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria. Rita Moreno, the Oscar-winning Anita of the original film, will play newly created character Valentina.
The movie features a new screenplay adaptation by “Angels in America” playwright Tony Kushner. Tony-winning choreographer Justin Peck (“Carousel”) is creating new dance routines for the film. (It’ll be hard to top those famed Jerome Robbins numbers from the 1961 film and the original Broadway show.)
The 1961 film won 10 Oscars, including Best Picture and the first-ever shared Best Director for Robert Wise and choreographer Robbins.
[Via Playbill]

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