Produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, West Side Story follows the original 1961 film version from the original 1957 Broadway musical penned by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and concept, direction, and choreography by Jerome Robbins.

Tony winner Justin Peck choreographed the musical numbers in the film. The music team includes conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and composer and conductor David Newman arranged the score.

The cast includes Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, Ana Isabelle, Corey Stoll, Brian d’Arcy James, Curtiss Cook, and Rita Moreno.

Elgort and Zegler play the lead roles — Tony and Maria, as young lovers of forbidden love and the clash between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

Moreno starred in the 1961 film as Anita. In the current version, she plays Valentina.

Listen to the Director’s Cut interview with Steven Spielberg. He talks about using his iPhone to film the rehearsals. That way, he practiced, practiced and practiced until he felt he go the shot right.