#Rita moreno young west side story movie#

Streets in Paterson and Newark were redressed to bring to life late-1950s New York, the territory of the rival Sharks and Jets gangs. “New Jersey is on the rise as a location for film and television production and seeing the streets of Paterson standing in for 1950’s New York City proves that no matter what kind of set location you’re looking for, be it cityscapes, suburbs, beaches, mountains or farms, you can find it here.” “We are absolutely thrilled that Steven Spielberg and his team chose New Jersey for his new version of this iconic musical, and the casting of Clifton’s own Rachel Zegler as María makes that choice extra special,” said Governor Phil Murphy. Patrick Higgins, a North Arlington resident, Melody Marti, a Secaucus resident and Montclair State University graduate, are also featured in the cast.

#Rita moreno young west side story movie#

Rita Moreno-an Oscar winner for the 1961 movie adaptation-is recast as the drug-store owner, Valentina, with Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez and Mike Faist also starring. Zegler was recently named Best Actress by The National Board of Review for her role in “West Side Story” and made Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2022 list.

She first played María in a 2017 BergenPAC production of the musical. In 2018, she responded to an open casting call for Spielberg’s new film of “West Side Story” and was selected for the role of María from over 30,000 applicants. Zegler graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi and starred in the school's musicals all four years. The new film stars Ansel Elgort as Tony and Clifton-native Rachel Zegler as María, in her feature film debut. Spielberg’s version of the musical was written by two-time Tony Award ® and Pulitzer Prize-winning screenwriter Tony Kushner and produced by 20th Century Studios. This is the second feature-length adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. The film, already garnering positive reviews from critics, marks Spielberg’s musical debut and his third time filming in New Jersey. – Today marks the theatrical release of Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of the legendary “West Side Story,” filmed on location on the streets of Paterson and Newark.