LIFE MAGAZINE
September 16, 1957

This splendid issue of America’s popular picture magazine serves as irrefutable proof of the high expectations the masterwork inspired (and ultimately satisfied). The usual, more cautious practice of such publications was to prudently wait until the critics had pronounced judgment on a new musical before informing their readers of the existence of a fresh (and sanctioned) hit show. In this case, the die was happily cast before any of the New York critics had weighed in—this issue is dated some ten days before the Broadway premiere, a solid confirmation of the editors’ confidence in the new and “expertly fashioned” show, despite the “unlikely” topic of juvenile delinquency. The four-page spread of both color and black-and-white photos depicts both on-stage and backstage activity, some shown below and others scattered elsewhere within this feature and on the site at large. Today the potential risks connected to this slightly premature declaration of approval may seem minimal—the track records of men named Bernstein, Robbins and Laurents were well-known on the Broadway scene as well as in the worlds of ballet and concert halls—but we are nevertheless grateful that the eager excitement of Life Magazine was enthusiastically validated, a week early and for all time.