West Side Story-Historical Rehearsal-Original Cast members

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids' 19th Annual Gypsy of the Year competition, one of Broadway's most celebrated Fund Raising events, decided to make tribute to 50 years of West Side Story. They flew from all over the country 22 cast members of the Original 1957 Production and put together with young Broadway Gypsies a historical Opening Number.
This is the rehearsal at AEA audition auditorium on 12/16/2007 where the Young Broadway generation performs snipits of the legendary Jerrome Robins Choreography, and the original cast members join to creat one of the most moving and thrilling opening numbers of BC/EFA.
You will see Ken LeRoy (original Bernardo), Mickey Calin (original Riff) along with all original Jets performing the "Jet Song", Carol Lawrence (original Maria) performing "I am Prety", followed by Chita Rivera for their "A Boy like that" duet. Chita Dancers from "A Dancer's Life" do "the Dance at the Gym" with Chita and moving finale with all of us singing the "quintette"
Other original 1957 cast members are Jamie Sanchez (Chino) and Reri Grist (Consuelo).
Genii Charnin, Harvey Evans, Marilyn D'Honau, Alan Johnson, Gene Gavin, Ronnie Lee, George Marcy, Liane Plane, Martin Charnin, Grover Dale, Bill Guske, Ed Kressley, Sandy Leeds, Tony Mordente, Carole D'Andrea, Frances Davis, Lowell Harris, Julie Oser-McLeod, Noel Schwartz and Gina Tricones.
I am Francis Toumbakaris (AKA Francis the Greek) the guy with the green army shirt and I am honored to be part of such a great event!
Enjoy!!!

[@markhampton2472]

Just incredible! Carol Lawrence and Chita Rivera! Together! WOW.

[@dianeparets8898]

I cried when Chita passed away

[@skippershe]

I'm so glad I found this video! Thanks for posting it. My dad is Michael Callan, (He went by Mickey Calin back then and played the part of Riff). It's so fun to watch him perform again after all this time. Thanks again!

[@JudgeJulieLit]

And he was good as Jane Fonda's romantic interest in the film Cat Ballou (1965).

[@kennethwayne6857]

I know I'm responding to an old post, but I've loved the original cast album since the '70's when I was a young kid, and greatly enjoy your Dad's contribution to it. Wish I could have experienced the whole performance. I've done the show twice, at age 15 as Baby-John, and years after as Lieutenant Schrank (quite a contrast) and they were among the great experiences of my life! Hope all of you are well.

[@kennethwayne6857]

and they were among the great experiences of my life! Hope all of you are well. (Lost the end of my comment on the last one, somehow.)

[@mariannesouza8326]

No way! Wow! I can see his younger face in my mind!

[@patyoung6590]

Mickey Calin is my cousin!

[@LadyOfMaine]

It was a privilege to watch this. I have real tears in my eyes. How thrilling it must have been for all involved.

[@branevans3705]

Me too

[@b0ajvk8]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS. I AM OVERWHELMED. TEARS, TEARS AND MORE TEARS! ESPECIALLY THE MAMBO 💃🏿🕺🏿

[@Crezelltree4261]

My goodness,the original cast members still have the moves.Some things don't grow old.

[@bingovegas4867]

My God, what is wrong with you? They could not possibly be original cast members from 60 yrs ago, they would be 80+ by now. Wait and you then see the originals man.

[@bingovegas4867]

Carol and Chita from original Broadway cast, extraordinary!

[@bingovegas4867]

What?

[@MrCrowebobby]

@@bingovegas4867 I'll be 86 tomorrow and though I wasn't in WSS, I was around and dancing at that time. In 2007, I would have been still able to do these moves and I was in better shape than these guys were, though I was never as good as dancer as they were/are.

[@susanpaul8259]

This was wonderful to see. Chita can really dance at her age.

[@dzurbri]

This is one of the most valuable things on KZbin! THANK YOU for posting it.

[@mbe1234567]

I cannot stop watching this!!! OMG!!! I love these people...

[@cards0486]

So great to see Tony Mordente; Arab on Broadway, Action in the movie. Wonderful choreographer for years.

[@pipernycaligirl5175]

And then there was CHITA!!! AMEN!!!! Thank the Gods of song & dance for this true woman of the craft. Her legend is worthy.

[@Scandilady]

Chita Rivera was the Broadway Maria, she did a WSS in London where I saw her, since then have seen this countless times, 40-50.

[@retiredis5072]

Carol Lawrence was the original Broadway Maria.

[@warrengwonka2479]

Tuula Westra wasn’t she Anita?

[@elizabethbarnette2813]

my gosh..look at these wonderful dancers!!! I'm awestruck

[@david1winters]

I was Crying my eyes out !! You guys ALL look SOO AMAZING !! Shit i wish I could have made it !! You Done GOOD Buddy Boys !!! I LOVE you ALL !! WOW !!! WHAT an Experience !! Thank you...Thank you....Thank you.....David ( The Original BABY JOHN ) Winters

[@jimpainter9935]

david winters good job

[@PRR5406]

David Winters, I have admired your role in West Side Story since I was a young boy. To this day, I get a thrill from the entire ensembles ability to successfully marry the street toughs with music and ballet. My everlasting admiration to you and your peers from the play and film.

[@dyip-vb1wl]

rip :(

[@songsmith31a]

Celebratory in the best sense! A hugely enjoyable reminder of how a great musical and its performers can provide ongoing rewards across the years via the creative talents involved. Bravo!

[@thecatman4ever]

A huge West Side Story fan I am so thankful for this upload. How wonderful is it to be able to see some of the original West Side Story cast reunited for this event. Loved the video the whole way through.

[@troyannbladsacker1811]

thecatman4ever. I have loved west side story since I was 9 years old in 1961.

[@mysticalmargaret6105]

Thank you SO much for uploading this treasure!! Omigosh what a treat for those young kids to have veterans of the original cast up there!! I would have been overjoyed and thought I'd died and gone to Heaven! :D

[@virginiaechevarria-mb8op]

The guys killed it. Spot on!😂🎉❤

[@MsLemonhead777]

I will always love West Side Story!!! Now if only Larry Kert were still alive for that...

[@dianeparets8898]

Agreed

[@dmo116]

So wonderful...Chita was 74 here...SEVEN FOUR! Love that she is carrying on conversions while dancing like no thought whatsoever! LOL

[@dianeparets8898]

Chita has always been my idol

[@oldgypsytap]

Oh, the tears. A reminder of how much I miss Larry and Tucker....

[@dianeparets8898]

Me too

[@serpechia]

Oh gosh... Dancing in that room at Actor's Equity on CARPET no less! Amazing! It is like watching family dancing at home!

[@Psultzbach24]

OMG I am crying here. That was awesome. Thank you for sharing.

[@erzug]

Outstanding. Thanks. I spotted Tony Mordente immediately. Smallest guy there, but one of the few holdovers from the stage play to the movie.

[@fosbury68]

And Carole D'Andrea

[@ambertjeblue]

I was also moved to tears. Not just at the times we have lost forever, but at the amazing people who went to make up such an enduring and wonderful phenomena as West Side Story. It remains my all time favourite film ! Favourite everything. X

[@cwbrooks5329]

This is thrilling. Talent is timeless.

[@lynncibelli3534]

What a thrill to see the fun was still there with the original cast

[@MsCescobar]

Hay Dios MIO!!!!!!!!Can't get over it. BEAUTIFUL. Oh yes, I DID CRY

[@dianeparets8898]

😮I have been in love with Mickey 😊Callen for so many years. I would love to meet him.

[@gloriawilliams1723]

what an emotional and amazing tribute to this iconic group! all of us have so many memories of a more innocent time. WSS was such a part of the pop culture. who didnt want "Somewhere"and "tonight"as one of their wedding songs!! Thank you so much for this!!!!I cried and laughed all the way through!!!

[@elizabethbarnette2813]

my heart just lifted to the stars

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

A treasure of talent to be sure. One thing about WSS : it makes you become a better dancer, a better actor, a better singer, a better musician once you are involved in a production. The material makes you soar! But beware, you may never feel that high in another show... Bit yet...you just might...

[@Martíncespedes]

Tears! Beautiful and timeless! Thank you for this.

[@dianemilligan3839]

That must have been a blast!! So glad you had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be with the original cast. :)

[@BEVERYCUMMINS]

You sharing this means so much . I have breathed this musical . I was born at the right time to have loved it for 50 years. I was 6 when I first heard this music. It is unequaled .

[@JessyNycole]

Wow! What an exciting event. Congratulations on having been part of something so historical!

[@b0ajvk8]

I would have paid ANYTHING to be in the audience at this event. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! 💕

[@mothershelper1981]

I just love this! And so do my friends that I pass it on to. They've still got what it takes!

[@e1111236]

You may recognize, Harvey Evans (Mouthpiece- Jet)Tony Mordente(Action-Jet)Carole D'Andrea( Wilma Ice’s girl)and Gina Tricones(Graziella Riff’s orange haired girl) from 1961. Thank you for sharing this gem with us.

[@kimbalion49]

Love this. My college dance teacher, Noel Schwartz, was in the original cast & was there. it was terrific to see him after 30 years had passed. Thank you.

[@fosbury68]

RIP. Lovely Chita Rivera. 1933-2024.

[@bingovegas4867]

We will never again see anything like this in our lifetime. Simply breathtaking.

[@dianatheiss7055]

I never saw the B'way play but the movie is an all time favorite! How wonderful to see these people relive their moments in the spotlight.

[@sarmadasco]

How can you not love that?

[@Darrynw]

Thank you for posting this video. For those of us who can't make it to BC/EFA it is great to have a chance to see this tribute.

[@Jesterswords]

Wow, I just found this and am watching with a HUGE smile on my face. This wonderful!!

[@sabinem3241]

And watching with tears in my eyes...

[@sabinem3241]

It's really wonderful..

[@madelinepearl7473]

I was 16 years old in 1959, and my then boyfriend(now husband) took me to see West Side Story on Broadway(my first musical). I remember it as if it was yesterday. What memories!

[@Jesterswords]

@@madelinepearl7473 That's amazing!

[@ronmcraig9157]

I Love to see them back on stage , The greatest musical and choreographies I've ever seen , real dancers , I haven't seen anything better than them.....

[@helenyalof6479]

Oh, memories! Ernest Castaldo (Castle), my late singing teacher and mentor, was personally chosen by Leonard Bernstein to sing in the original cast . Most cast members were dancers. Ernie eventually played Maria's brother. He absolutely adored Chita Rivera's amazing talent, and when Chita was on stage, he always watched from the wings. I share his reaction. Chita is always so vibrant and alive on stage. I was very moved to see this video, but only wish Ernie could have been a part of it. And yes, I also wish that they could have taped those original rehearsals and the show itself. But still - kudos to all!

[@Asherov]

Touching.

[@Actrhndprnt]

What a thrill to see the modern marvel Chita Rivera and the ever-glowing Carol Lawrence and so many other stage veterans among the energizing young hopefuls! This is why I love being an actor and feel so privilaged to trod upon the STAGE. What a wonderful gift to all of us this holiday season.. Michael Taylor Gray

[@maryoconnor5939]

HEARTBROKEN to learn today that Michael Callin (Mickey) passed away almost a year ago on October 11, 2022. What a devastating loss for his family and friends. I first saw him in Cat Ballou--he was a scene stealer each time. Then saw clips of him in Bridget Goes Hawaiian. Then saw this clip with him in West Side Story. LOVED his voice--he did not get credit for who and what he was--he created the character type that paved the way for a Bruce Willis type character. Your dad Mickey would have rocked the David role in Moonlighting--your dad was of his time and before his time. 🥲 Thinking of you as his first anniversary nears.

[@saidapagan6056]

So wonderful. I got to meet Chita Rivera once. She was kind and so real. May her soul RIP. When I was 15, I got to portray the role of Anita in a production of "West Side Story," when I was a student member of the organization "Aspira' in New York City. I still remember the lyrics to the songs after all these years. Thank you for posting this incredible video!

[@stephanieburns4560]

This was so beautiful to watch. Really, tear inducing. Carol Lawrence, of course, is amazing, but Chita! Wow! I liked Rita Moreno, but Chita had that power. I wish I could have seen her in the stage version. The others were amazing, too.

[@Kickflips22]

These people are in their 70s? Are you serious? Talent Talent Talent

[@Scandilady]

The original Jets are all over 80, see Chita Rivera, Sharks Bernardo/Giorgios Chakiri s was not there.

[@phyllispetras3821]

READ!!!

[@elizabethmurphy9384]

Is Elliot Feld there?

[@ravenrandom]

Yup, they've STILL got it, especially Chita :)

[@headedsomewhere]

this was great, I remember watching this as a kid, and never fully understanding it, until a few years ago, while going through separation from my husband(mixed marriage) but pain is pain...so my hat is off to the characters of Tony/Maria, it still happens today, God help them...anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this peace :)

[@eldiran2]

It must be the most ENERGETIC show ever produced...! The music and dancing are phenomenal!

[@tritone8781]

I fell in love with this show at 10 years old. I’m still in love today. Thank you for this marvelous video!

[@user-sn8kt6rb2s]

David, me too it is very touch. It was wonderful days and good shows. I never thought that I could see this footages today. I thank you for Francis who donated of this footage.　思い出がよみがえるフッテージでした。思い出がろ人は本当に幸せなんだなあと感じると共に感謝しています。舞台のオリジナルは本当によかったですよ。

[@2034916]

My favorite musical. “Somewhere” has been my favorite song since the 1961 movie. Love the score.

[@trkerner]

WOW!!! West Side Story was my introduction to the musical, the movies and to America back in 1963. It has remained my all time favorite musical. This clip brought a smile to my face, tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart....Thank You

[@dianeparets8898]

Who ever put this togethet, i thank you.

[@broadwaybabi91]

I'm crying right now. Seriously. I love her

[@amybrewhaha]

FRANCIS! AMAZING! I was at the show today and was in tears the whole time...especially the finale, how wonderful!! Take care, Amy

[@glenniann]

Rating? This one is off the charts!!

[@spoly8139]

What a special joy to see this! I saw the original production on Broadway in 1957 with Carole Lawrence, Larry Kert, Chita Rivera. Tony Mordente, etc. I've seen many shows since but that was my first ever Broadway show and nothing was able to top it...not even Phantom or Fiddler!!

[@CapSkip145]

I just watched this and OH My Goodness!! It brights tears to my eyes because I brings back so many fond memories of my time when WSS was my First High school musical. Such A GREAT VIDEO. Thank you so very much for uploading this. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sherrelhauhe7791]

Thanks for the unforgettable and wonderful memories !!!

[@nowdid]

I WAS SINGING WITH THEM

[@coreycox2345]

That music, david stanley.

[@091053JG]

Fantastic! A thousand thanks for posting.

[@SamanthaMoon]

Wow. I didn't expect to cry! This was amazing, brilliant and touching. Thank you so much for sharing it

[@stressmuffin]

Thanks so much for this amazing video I dreamed of seeing. One of my Broadway idols/divas is Chita Rivera. I’m so happy to see her not only as Anita, but to perform with her cast mates from the original West Side Story. @skippershe, your father is still badass as Riff in this video. Every single cast member in this video, are all inspirations to me, for as long as I live, I continue to sing, act (if I can find the opportunity to do that again) and dance, plus every single talent I can do. I’m getting teary eyed. Damn waterworks! 😭

[@ontheground09]

This is just amazing and emotional. Best musical ever.

[@j.ayrton1667]

If only Larry Kert had still been around to share in this magnificent tribute.

[@bartallen3705]

We're the greatest! We're Jets!! To all the cast.

[@enconcierto5851]

My favorite musical I love it I know all musical numbers and dialogue

[@colleenwood2487]

Wow! Chita is fantastic!!!💃❤

[@Boogee]

So fabulous! What a treat to see the original cast. I was in the Lincoln Center revival in "68. Played Pauline (one of the Jets) and also understudied Anita. Played her on matinee days and many evening performances. Thanks for the wonderful memories.

[@kathethomas2437]

Chills!

[@milliem5193]

Thank you so much for posting this… What a treasure!!!!

[@orlandocordova8818]

WOW! THANKS FOR THE POSTING! 😀!

[@CVActor1]

I LOVE THIS!!!!! Thank you AO MUCH for posting it!!!!! I played Maria in one of our local productions, and this brings back some of my fondest memories!!! :-)

[@mitchellivers]

I worked on the 1980 revival, and many of the original cast and creators were around to help put it together. Thank your for posting this. It made me weep.

[@bwaylvsong]

Wow, it's amazing how great they sound at their ages!

[@lds7778]

Chita Rivera has still got it!

[@jtcarey2]

that is the incomparable Chita Rivera who just turned 75 on January 23, 2008. She is truly a B-Way legend.

[@BalletBabyBoy]

How fantastic to see these people! WONDERFUL!

[@gaymichaelis7581]

That was really good!!! Wish I could have been there for this in real life! I had forgotten about how great west side story was, not having watched it in years! I love all the music, they’re clicking of their fingers, them moving around and dancing, as though they were in a gang, portraying that… Thank you to any & at all here on this KZbin video!!! Very good!

[@susannunes6196]

Truly talented in a truly musical masterpiece!!!

[@LUCAS70352]

En France, nous appelons ça : formidable ! Et chez vous ?

[@Haileelynn]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@SexyHogwarts]

It was so cool seeing the originals! sigh

[@leewah1]

Exquisite. #crying

[@jejrstans]

OMG! That was amazing! They were fantastic. 60-70 years old!! I hope I'm that fab at that age. WOW!!

[@evans54]

Chita is Amazing!

[@RachelSzmed]

This is wonderful. How thrilling to be a part of such a wonderful event!

[@wildsarsaparilla]

Just ran across this video. I've always thought this, but now I know it's true: No one ever really leaves the Theater once you've been bitten. Thank you.

[@joinmeintheword9984]

Francis, what a total blessing it must have been to have been involved with this. I can't think of a higher pinnacle in theatre than getting to perform (even at a rehearsal with no audience) with original Broadway cast members of West Side Story. Holy moley, this was good. Thanks for posting it.

[@ladymusiq]

That was absolutely WONDERFUL!!!!

[@petulia67]

Chills and goosebumps....

[@crayonjoy]

that was incredible. gave me chills!

[@54spiritedwill54]

This brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful tribute.

[@ramonachirita4033]

Incredibil!This is for eternity!😘