My West Side Story, George Chakiris
My West Side Story, George Chakiris
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

My West Side Story
A Memoir

Author: George Chakiris, Lindsay Harrison

Narrator: George Chakiris, George Newbern

Unabridged: 5 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/02/2021

Synopsis

George Chakiris famously played the angry gang leader Bernardo in the film version of West Side Story (1961), for which he won an Oscar for best supporting actor. My West Side Story is an insider's look at how this theatrical and cinematic landmark evolved from a conversation in Jerome Robbins's Manhattan apartment between him, Arthur Laurents, and Leonard Bernstein to ten Oscars, three Golden Globes, two Tony Awards, and a Grammy. While also a memoir of Chakiris's long and distinguished career, the emphasis is on West Side Story. Here are profiles of the film's stars and directors, from Natalie Wood and "lovely" Richard Beymer, to the mercurial Jerome Robbins and "passionate" Rita Moreno, with whom Chakiris remains friends. "I know exactly where my gratitude belongs," Chakiris writes, "and I still marvel at how, unbeknownst to me at the time, the joyful path of my life was paved one night in 1949 when Jerome Robbins sat Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Laurents down in his apartment and announced, 'I have an idea.' "

About George Chakiris

George Chakiris started his acting/dancing career appearing in musicals such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), White Christmas (1954), and There's No Business Like Show Business (1954). After appearing in the London stage production of West Side Story for two years, he was selected by Jerome Robbins to costar in the eponymous film. Since that time he appeared in dozens of plays, films, and TV shows before retiring in 1996. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Arthur on May 23, 2021

I'm not one to usually read a memoir about an actor. I'm fairly indifferent with regard to typical celebrities. But the unabridged audiobook was only 5 and a half hours long and West Side Story is my second favorite musical (to be honest I only like two musicals, the other being Les Mis). So I remem......more

Goodreads review by Poptart19 (the name’s ren) on April 21, 2021

3 stars A light, entertaining show biz memoir from an actor & dancer with a varied & interesting career. Well written, smooth, & enjoyable. I recommend this if you’re a WSS fan, or interested in behind-the-scenes stories about the 50’s-60’s Hollywood acting & dancing world. [What I liked:] •Chakiris n......more

Goodreads review by Elisa on February 23, 2021

I’ve been a fan of West Side Story ever since I can remember. My parents went to the theatre to see the movie when it came out, over and over so many times that they lost count. George Chakiris may not be a household name, but he is well known in my house and my sister’s kids have known the lyrics t......more

Goodreads review by Jude on April 07, 2021

This book started better than it ended. At first, Chakiris tells his own story alongside the development of West Side Story, which is interesting. But the last 2/3 of the book are just a chronological recount of the famous people he worked with, all of whom he describes as "beautiful, charming, and......more

Add to Cart
Add to Wish List