New York, NY (Top40 Charts) One of the most beloved and captivating musicals in Hollywood history, "
West Side Story" will return to movie theaters for two days only this June as Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies expand the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, which brings legendary motion pictures back to cinemas across the country every month. Further enhancing this big-screen presentation, TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz will introduce the film and present post-show commentary.
Tickets for "
West Side Story" will be available beginning Friday, April 20 at www.FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices.
From Fathom Events, TCM, Park Circus and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), "
West Side Story" will be presented in more than 600 movie theaters on Sunday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 27, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time each day. A complete list of theater locations will be available April 20 on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Presented in its original widescreen aspect ratio, and complete with its original mid-film intermission, "
West Side Story" combines a majestic score by Leonard Bernstein with the lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. The movie was largely shot in New York City - on what is now the Lincoln Center complex - by co-directors Robert Wise and
Jerome Robbins, both of whom received the Oscar® as Best Director.
Visually inventive and emotionally resonant, "
West Side Story" is the tale of two warring New York City gangs - the Jets and the Sharks - and the ill-fated love story that springs up in their midst. The film stars
Natalie Wood as Maria, Richard Beymer as her boyfriend Tony, Rita
Moreno as Maria's sister Anita, and
George Chakiris as Bernardo. Both
Moreno and Chakiris received Oscars® for their indelible work in supporting roles.
By blending realistic settings, stylized choreography, an extraordinary cast of performers and an unforgettable score, "
West Side Story" became a cinematic and cultural sensation when it was released in October 1961, grossing $43 million at the box office - equivalent to $500 million in today's dollars. Its soundtrack, including "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty," "America," "Something's Coming" and "Somewhere," has become one of the most iconic in movies history.
"'West Side Story' really is one of the defining moments in the history of movie musicals," Fathom Events VP of Studio Relations Tom
Lucas said. "Seeing it on the big screen is an unforgettable experience that we're excited to be able to bring to moviegoers all over the country."
