Putting It Together (Podcast)

Our debut episode has local theatre director Joe Slabe discuss not only the genius of Stephen Sondheim but also the genius of his collaborators on West Side Story.

Nick Driscoll gives an actor's perspective on how you can perform Tony's first song in West Side Story. Kyle marvels that Sondheim was invested in the song matching the character this early in Sondheim's career.

Christifer Duxbury is a local dance instructor and choreographer who lends insight as to why certain dance movements are chosen over others. Kyle and Christifer provide commentary for the film version of West Side Story during the Dance at the Gym sequence.

Karen Unland is the president of The Alberta Podcast Network, powered by ATB, which promotes and supports Alberta-made podcasts and connects their audiences with Alberta-based businesses and organizations. Karen claims that Kyle is a better feminist than she she is while they discuss the song Maria from West Side Story.

Erik Stadnik joins the podcast to revel in the beauty of the music but also (what he thinks) is the dumbness of the lyrics in the song Tonight from West Side Story. This is the first duet sung by Tony and Maria. It could be looked at as beautiful or perhaps just the lustiness of young love.

Isaac Bernier-Doyle dials in from London, England to discuss why the song "America" from West Side Story may be more relevant today than when it was originally written. This song shows off Anita's temper and verbal mastery. The rest of the characters try to match wits as best they can.

What's considered cool nowadays? Stephen Sondheim definitely didn't create the word cool, but he used it to great effect in West Side Story. While this may not be his most lyrically complex song it certainly has a purpose. Ben Zuk joins the podcast with his thoughts on the song and why it is so physically demanding to the performers.

One Hand, One Heart is when our main characters sing about their future wedding. The music to this song was written first and Sondheim felt a bit hampered by that. Kyle invites filmmaker, musician, and actor William White onto the podcast to discuss this romantic song. Plus, they wonder if Sondheim is (maybe) just a bit too harsh on himself.

A quintet that's really a quartet. Regardless, Michael Vecchio from Highlevel Showdown is here to discuss a song where all the principle cast of West Side Story are singing at once. You would think that would sound like madness but it somehow works.

The rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks has come to a boiling point. They have been left with no choice but to battle each other in dance. Also with knives. Jared Ebell, of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, joins the podcast to discuss his history as a dancer and how Jerome Robbins' choreography stands the test of time.

I Feel Pretty may be the most well known song from West Side Story. Is it a frivolous tune meant to ease the audience into Act Two, or is it empowering to see a woman sing about feeling beautiful? Tara Koett, a teacher at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, and her two students sit down to discuss their different views.

"Somewhere" is another romantic song from West Side Story, but according to Adam Kostanuick it's the most mature. It's certainly a song that has inspired many people. It's been covered by many pop stars. It's message of looking towards the future for better days is also something that resonates with people even today. Perhaps even more-so today than ever before.

Ben Zuk returns to the podcast to discuss a song that was supposed to end in a four letter word. Instead it has one of the best punchlines in musical theatre. Gee, Officer Krupke details the reasons why the Jets are the way that they are and it might be just as relevant today as it was when it was written. Plus, it's the only Sondheim song that appears in Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Layan Elwazani is currently a standby for The Band's Visit, which is playing right now at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City. Layan has an extensive knowledge about Stephen Sondheim and has even had the chance to be in a couple of productions of West Side Story. She brings with her an actor's outlook that is fascinating to hear, especially when it comes to the characters of Maria and Anita. It's a good thing this week features a song which is really a confrontation between them.

Joe Slabe returns to the podcast to discuss the ending to West Side Story and the wider cultural impact it has had. Do you know what beat West Side Story for the Best Musical Tony Award? You'll find out that and how the show could be adapted for a modern audience.

After an entire season talking about the lyrics of West Side Story, we now turn our attention to the film version. I invited on Shane Lawrence to discuss the artistry of the movie and why it still remains such a cultural touchpoint almost 60 years later.