The documentary "West Side Story: The True Story of How Four Gay Men Created America's Greatest Musical" explores the significant contributions of LGBTQ+ creators, including Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerome Robbins, and Arthur Laurents, to the acclaimed musical. Written and directed by historian David LaFontaine, the film highlights how their identities informed their artistry. Set for online premiere, the documentary aims to educate audiences about the intersection of identity and creativity in the arts, contextualizing the impact of West Side Story from its inception to recent adaptations.
"West Side Story is, in my opinion, the greatest of all American musicals... its four primary creators were gay men: composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, director-choreographer Jerome Robbins, and book writer Arthur Laurents."
"We're looking at identity as a source of creative inspiration... the documentary chronicles West Side Story from its origins through its successful Broadway premiere in 1957, the hit 1961 film version, and the film remake in 2021."
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