“West Side Story”: Michael TT Or Lenny?
Reviewing a new recording of “West Side Story,” Opera News proclaims: ‘Although he would never dream of saying so, Michael Tilson Thomas‘s new live concert recording of “West Side Story” can almost be seen as a corrective to Leonard Bernstein‘s own symphonic version of the show from 1985. That controversial release had, as one might expect, spectacular instrumental playing from a full-sized pickup orchestra but was widely criticized for its casting of opera singers (José Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa, Tatiana Troyanos) who were wrong for the leading roles and had seemingly little affinity for the musical-theater idiom.’ Opera News goes on to say ‘Alexandra Silber (Sophie in the 2011 Broadway revival of “Master Class”) sounds simply gorgeous as Maria.’ Miss Silber is drawing raves for her recent work in London in “Kiss Me Kate.” Cheyenne Jackson essays Tony.
