Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story was the second feature-length film to adapt the 1957 stage musical of the same name. While taking place in the 50s, West Side Story (2021) was a musical romantic drama that brought a Romeo & Juliet-esque story to a modern audience. Star-crossed lovers Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler) found themselves on opposing factions that looked forward to a “rumble.” As their love blossomed, the Jets and the Sharks waged war for control of the streets in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
In traditional musical fashion, the characters burst into song whenever they needed to express emotion. West Side Story was praised for its musical sequences and made its way onto the National Board of Review and American Film Institute’s top ten films of 2021 lists. With Leonard Bernstein’s music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story showcased the acting, singing, and dancing talent of its spectacular cast. Here are the best musical performances in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake, ranked.
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7 Somewhere
20th Century Studios
Originally sung by Tony and Maria in the 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story, “Somewhere” was given to new character Valentina in the 2021 remake. The song has always been simple yet very beautiful. It was sung by returning actress Rita Moreno (who played Anita in the 1961 film) as Valentina expressed sadness over the needless violence in the city. Valentina also remembered her late husband, Doc, continuing to run his drugstore and guiding Tony on the right path. While “Somewhere” was still powerful, the creative decision to assign the song to someone other than Tony and Maria was met with a mixed response. It was probably better suited for Tony and Maria to perform it after the rumble.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 Jet Song
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Mike Faist was not cast as Tony in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story, but he managed to make a side character just as memorable. As Riff, the leader of the Jets, he opened West Side Story with a new version of “Jet Song.” Faist brought his previous Broadway experience (Dear Evan Hansen) with him as he moved from the stage to the big screen. He made the most of the tragic character Riff, and instantly immersed audiences in the world of West Side Story before they even got to meet Tony and Maria.
5 Gee, Officer Krupke
Trapped in a police station, several of the Jets took the time to mock Officer Krupke during his brief absence. The Jets impersonated Krupke and criticized society’s treatment and attitudes towards them. They reflected on their parents being “junkies” and “drunks” while they grew up to be misunderstood “punks.” Combining impressive choreography and vocals with some great humor, “Gee, Officer Krupke” proved to be a number that was magical.
4 Maria
After meeting Maria for the very first time, Tony became a love-struck man repeating Maria’s name over and over. He told himself he would never stop saying her name, which caused an annoyed neighbor to close her window shut. Ansel Elgort sang “Maria” perfectly, and the performance was elevated by great camera angles and lighting. The puddle shot in the sequence (which was also the last shot they filmed) was incredibly effective, portraying Tony as if he was lost in the stars. To Tony, the name Maria represented “all the beautiful sounds of the world.”
3 I Feel Pretty
Before Maria became aware of what happened to her brother, she sang about her joy and happiness while in a colorful department store. “I Feel Pretty” displayed Rachel Zegler’s infinite charm and an ability to radiate infectious joy through the screen. Zegler was demonstrating qualities that of a Disney princess long before she was cast as Snow White. “I Feel Pretty” has been one of the most popular songs in West Side Story’s history, being played at weddings, parties, and other movies. Fortunately, the legacy of the song continued as the 2021 rendition performed by Zegler did not disappoint.
2 Balcony Scene (Tonight)
According to CheatSheet, “Balcony Scene (Tonight)” has become the most streamed song on Spotify from Spielberg’s West Side Story. That has come at no surprise as the song was fantastic and made audiences really believe Tony and Maria were in love. The scene presented the second meeting between the two main characters, who previously met at a local dance. It was also the first time the couple sang together. Although Tony and Maria were connected to two hostile rival gangs, they had to express their love for each other. That night, the two were truly happy, and it showed in the musical performance.
1 America
“America” was perhaps the most catchy song on the entire West Side Story soundtrack. Led by Ariana DeBose’s Anita as she played wonderfully off of David Alvarez’ Bernardo, the song was fun, cheery, and upbeat. Despite its seemingly positive tone, “America” simultaneously commented on important social issues, mainly the difference of life in America between Caucasians and Puerto Ricans. Anita was only a supporting character, but DeBose stole the show and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The strong chemistry between DeBose and Alvarez made “America” a true standout performance in West Side Story.
