Tony Kushner
Videos
Anthony Robert Kushner is an American author, playwright, and screenwriter. Lauded for his work on stage, he is most known for his seminal work Angels in America, which earned a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, as well as its subsequent acclaimed HBO miniseries of the same name. At the turn of the 21st century, he became known for his numerous film collaborations with Steven Spielberg. He received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2013. Kushner is among the few playwrights in history nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
Kushner speaking at the University of Maryland in 2011
Kushner receiving a National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama, 2013
West Side Story (2021 film)
Videos
West Side Story is a 2021 American musical romantic drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Tony Kushner. The second feature-length adaptation of the 1957 stage musical of the same name, it stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler in her film debut with Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, and Rita Moreno in supporting roles. Moreno, who starred in the 1961 film adaptation, also served as an executive producer alongside Kushner. The film features music composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Justin Peck created the film's new choreography while paying homage to the original choreography by Jerome Robbins.
Gustavo Dudamel, pictured here in 2009, conducted the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic during the film's recording sessions.
The film held its Los Angeles premiere at the El Capitan Theatre on December 7, 2021.