50th Anniversay "West Side Story": No NYC production?

Question:Why did I have to learn on the French news that this year is the 50th anniversary of the premiere of "West Side Story". Not a sign of it on Broadway (or television). Instead, we have every Disney character under the sun in its own musical, with tie-in promotions for the matching toys. It's even more telling about our society than "My Sweet Sixteen".

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Why did I have to learn on the French news that this year is the 50th anniversary of the premiere of "West Side Story". Not a sign of it on Broadway (or television). Instead, we have every Disney character under the sun in its own musical, with tie-in promotions for the matching toys. It's even more telling about our society than "My Sweet Sixteen".

West Side Story is one of my top 5 favs ever!!! Sad the garbage we are being fed in the theater and on stage. Ah the old days of really good theater..like, uh, oh yeah, West Side Story!

One reason may be that the disney crap sells crap and parents take their kids to this mindless rap and buy them crap. All about the money.

There have been numerous major revivals on Broadway over the years.

"20th Anniversary" makes people think, "Wow, has it been that long?" and prompts them to buy tickets. But I think perhaps "50th Anniversary" might play up the fact that the show is old -- even though West Side Story remains a powerful and well-crafted work.

But the bottom line is that if a producer thought there was money to be made from a 50th anniversary revival, it would be playing now. Evidently no one did, so there you are. There is no governing body that determines what shows get produced -- if you had a few million dollars lying around, you'd be free to secure a theatre and put on a show.

And believe me, I share your disdain of the Disneyfication of Broadway -- but the fact is, people buy tickets to those shows. Trust me, there is still cutting-edge and thought-provoking stuff to be found in New York -- seek out Off-Broadway, my friend. :-)