As the world prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of West Side Story in 2017, dancer Bruno Tonioli and broadcaster Suzy Klein go in search of the true stories behind the inception of this classic show. For the first time on television, they hear first-hand from those involved in the show when it opened on Broadway in September 1957, including Sondheim himself, producer Hal Prince and original cast members from both show and movie, including Chita Rivera Carol Lawrence and Rita Moreno. With the BBC Symphony Orchestra and specially cast singers, we re-live some of the wonderful music and, in the company of Suzy and Bruno, we discover how West Side Story placed the 1950s phenomena of racial tension and teenage gangs centre stage to create a hit that changed musical theatre forever.
You May Also Like
Retired Ohio police officer, Tim Harrison, stumbles upon a bombshell discovery when he suspects that the world’s most famous celebrity conservationists may be secretly connected to the big cat trade.
Examine the rise and fall of Hollywood media mogul Harvey Weinstein following the scandal in 2017. Learn from exclusive interviews with those who knew him in the industry, and a discussion of the start of the #MeToo movement.
Life as a prima ballerina over 30 is tough enough for Maiko when she decides to start a family….
A look at the relationships and rivalries within The Rolling Stones in their formative years, as well as the creative musical genius of Brian Jones, key to the success of the band.
One winter, a pastor finds an abandoned infant on his church steps, and builds ‘a drop box’ to rescue any future foundlings.
Filmmaker Lawrence Shapiro discusses voice-over acting with the talented people behind the characters.
Trudell is a 2005 documentary film about the life of author and American Indian activist John Trudell. The film traces Trudell from his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska, to his role in the American Indian Movement, and finally to his rebirth as a musician and spoken word poet.
In the increasing public discourse on mental health, Leanne Pooley’s inspiring and fearless documentary tracks an extraordinary young woman’s journey from suicide survivor to advocate for those struggling. The fact it leaves you hopeful and with tangible advice makes it vital viewing.
Brooke Shields, ’80s icon and household name, was a child model before she came to prominence in Louis Malle’s controversial film “Pretty Baby” at age 12. With a series of provocative Calvin Klein jeans ads and leading roles in 1980s teensploitation hits “The Blue Lagoon” and “Endless Love,” Shields’ early career was defined by a sexuality that she could neither claim nor comprehend.
In January 2016, businesswoman Sadie Hartley was brutally stabbed to death in her own home. This film follows Lancashire Police as they investigate the case from the call-out to the murder scene to the trial of the two female suspects.
Prosecuting attorney Vincent Bugliosi and Manson “family” members Lynette Fromme, Mary Brunner and Sandra Good discuss the Tate-LaBianca murders.
A character-driven, action-packed documentary about Detroit, told through the eyes of the Detroit firefighters, the men and women charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead.
