
My West Side Story
A Memoir
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Narrated by:
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George Chakiris
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George Newbern
About this listen
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.'"
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- By Delia R on 01-22-22
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I also like the way he doesn't bad mouth people, even when they are just "toxic" and deserve. I had no idea that he interacted with such A list celebrities from both stage, and screen. He lived a life to be envied and he seemed happy. My problem is, how does a person sit down to write their memoirs, starting from the late 1950s to the 80s, and not mention his romantic relationships?
I get the idea that he, isn't comfortable with his sexuality. I know he's private and I know that his, romantic life isn't the focal point of his career. But, it is an important part, especially when it spans decades. And I think it takes a lot of effort to keep from talking about love in your life. He's in his 80s now. is he A sexual?
Okay he's private, but omitting that part speaks VOLUMES!And he freely gave up certain, explicit details about others, so what's that about? I love him, he's wonderful, but he clearly has issues about his sexuality, and that's sad in this day and age. And his insistance on not mentioning ANYTHING about his love life makes the book boring. He talks about everyone else, and their proclivities, but doesn't say anything about himself. WHY? Who does that in a memoir?
Beautiful man, nice story but...
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George Chakiris
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Amazing life of a legend.
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Even though the book is "My West Side Story" - West Side Story, as interesting as it is and how lovingly he describes it, is not the star of the book. West Side Story may have provided his most famous role, but his positive and valuable outlook on life makes Mr. Chakiris a shining star!
Mr. Chakiris reads the book's introduction himself and that is very special. The narrator of the book is excellent. He brings enjoyment and enthusiasm to the story. This is a wonderfully told story by an extremely talented and insightful man!
Wonderful Story
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Enjoyable but not enough West Side Story.
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Something Is Missing...
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Beautiful Inspiring Story
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