Somewhere west side story rita moreno movie#

Not only is “Somewhere” sung entirely live on set, but it was also adjusted in West Side Story (2021) to be a solo for Rita Moreno (Valentina), who portrayed Anita in West Side Story (1961). Many of West Side Story’s songs require the more traditional tracks to be played due to their extensive choreography, action, and ensemble natures, such as “Tonight (Quintet),” “Gee, Officer Krupke,” and “America.” However, Spielberg saved a few songs to be sung live while shooting West Side Story, with each being apparent in its authenticity while elevating the power of its message. Unsurprisingly, the songs that are sung live on set in West Side Story (2021) are some of the most operatic and emotional numbers, which are all much more powerful live rather than played back via pre-recorded tracks.

Somewhere west side story rita moreno movie#

Related: West Side Story: Biggest Changes From The 1961 Movie While the entire cast of West Side Story (2021) sings for their own characters, a significant portion of the original movie’s songs was dubbed with “ ghost singers.” Interestingly, while Rita Moreno’s one song in West Side Story (2021) was performed live, the actress was dubbed for “A Boy Like That” in the original film. West Side Story (1961) was completely recorded using playback tracks for the film, which was all the more necessary when considering that almost all of Tony and Maria's singing was dubbed.

While many will still hold the 1961 classic above Spielberg's adaptation, the live singing gives the 2021 West Side Story has a major advantage over the original.