No this isn’t the Obama campaign’s weekly staff meeting. This clip from the 1961 film version of the musical West Side Story was what we used to say was the Jets at their best. [“America” was the Sharks at their best.] I also think the message is quite appropriate for the moment. And NO I’m not advocating gangs. But West Side Story has one of the most wonderful scores penned by Leonard Bernstein. If you hear it as straight music performance, it’ll blow you away. Years ago the series Great Performances did a fantastic documentary about Bernstein’s re-recording of the West Side Story score with operatic singers — the way he felt the score and songs should sound to be fully appreciated.
I could use a little cathartic dance breakout myself right now. Let’s hope cool beats crazy. Enjoy!