The Redford Theatre will host a three-day marathon of screenings for the 1961 classic musical “West Side Story” this weekend, in addition to welcoming a very special guest.
Rita Moreno, who was awarded an Academy Award for her role as “Anita” (of the Puerto Rican Sharks gang), is scheduled to appear at all three screenings of “West Side Story,” and offer attendees a rare meet-and-greet opportunity preceding each show. Autographs and photographs will also be available for an additional fee.
82-year-old Moreno, born Rosa Dolores Alverío, remains the only Hispanic to receive all four annual American entertainment awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) for her participation in television, music, film and live performances. Only 11 others have ever achieved the “EGOT,” which is referred to as the “Grand Slam of Show Business.” Moreno was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004.
The 1961 film-adaptation of Leonard Bernstein’s broadway musical received 10 Academy Awards, from 11 nominations and remains the most-awarded musical in Academy history. The two-act film also includes performances by Natalie Wood, Marni Nixon, Richard Beymer, George Chakiris and others.
The Redford Theatre’s screenings of “West Side Story” will take place on Friday (8PM), Saturday (8PM) and Sunday (1PM). Moreno is scheduled to appear one hour and 15 minutes before each screening. Tickets are available online.
Watch Rita Moreno and George Chakiris in a clip of “West Side Story” below: