West Side Story​ the classic film we all loved is back, with a new reimagining that proves some of the themes explored are as timely today as when the original first premiered in 1957. The 2021 ​version of this ​American musical romantic drama ​is ​directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Tony Kushner. Both the original and latest adaptation were inspired by William Shakespeare‘s play Romeo and Juliet. The modern version stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler (in her feature film debut) Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, and Josh Andrés Rivera, ​with Rita Moreno ​in supporting roles. ​We caught up with Alvarez ​- starring as ‘Bernardo,’ and Rivera who plays ‘Chino,’ to go behind the scenes of this updated timeless story.

The film features music composed by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Moreno, who starred in the 1961 film adaptation, also served as an executive producer, alongside Kushner.​ West Side Story​ ​is theatrically distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through the 20th Century Studios​. The film has already been named one of the best films of 2021 by the National Board of Review and American Film Institute and received four nominations at the 79th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture – Musical/Comedy and tied with Belfast for a leading 11 nominations at the 27th Critics’ Choice Awards, including Best Picture.

David Alvarez

Alvarez is one of the youngest performers to ever win a Tony for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, winning at age 14 for his role in “Billy Elliot.” Later in life he starred in a few productions of the same show before he went on to join the US Army and leave performing behind. West Side Story (2021) marks his film debut as well as his return to the performing arts.

Josh Andrés Rivera

​Rivera meanwhile ​ is part of the Sharks ensemble in the role of Chino, Maria’s arranged fiancé.  He was in the Hamilton ensemble for two years prior to making his film debut.

HOMBRE: What can you tell us about your role in the film?
David Alvarez: I play Bernardo, he’s the leader of the Sharks, he migrated from Puerto Rico along with Maria and Anita and he’s just there to start a new life. I’m grateful to give a voice to this character.

Josh Andrés Rivera: I play Chino. He’s sort of an outlier, he’s not part of the Sharks necessarily but he has relationships with all of them. Bernardo is his best friend and they have almost this brotherly relationship for a long time. Chino has an honest job, he’s a sensitive kind guy. He’s also trying to make a better life for himself.
David Alvarez: He’s the smartest shark in the movie.

H: Most of us grew up with the original film, how did you feel after finding out you would reprise a classic role?
DA: It was intimidating. Because I knew it was an iconic piece and I was going to be working with these legendary artists. But when we started working on the production it was incredible how comfortable it was, and how much trust Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner gave all of us to create our characters.
He trusted us more than we trusted ourselves. That’s something I learned from this experience, to not doubt yourself and trust your instinct. Because if these incredible legends are trusting you, then you better be able to trust yourself. It was a beautiful experience and I learned a lot as a person and as an artist.

JAR: I had a similar experience. Something of this caliber comes along with a little of impostor syndrome and self doubt. But we had all these people believing in us and we had help from the best. I say this helped me grow as an artist and as a person because there was a point in the rehearsal process where I realized this self doubt does not serve me. I need to trust myself; as actor, performer, and as a person, because other people are putting their trust in me, and that’s important.

David Alvarez

H: What does this film say about Latino community?
DA: This film brings authenticity to the Puerto Rican culture and to the struggles the Puerto Rican migrants had to go through in 1957. Arriving into a new city, learning a new language,  trying to feel accepted in a place that really isn’t trying to accept you.
It’s really beautiful that Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner really gave us a voice, gave the Latin community a voice to share our truth, our struggles, our experiences so people can become aware and more understanding of what we had to go through.

Josh Andrés Rivera

JAR: There’s a lot to be said about the value that’s placed on family and community in the film.
Like David said, about the migration that happens between the U.S. and Puerto Rico in particular. My parents came to the United States for grad school. It’s interesting doing this story now and watching it and remembering some stories that my mom had. It makes it a touch personal and adds an element of pride to me portraying that role.