The romantic mood established by “Maria” and “Tonight” is shattered in first-class musical comedy style by the presentation of “America.” All the key elements that make up the character of Anita—her fiery, no-nonsense temperament, her humor, and especially her carefree love of life—are neatly packaged in this song and in the scene in which it resides. Originally a three-way argument between Anita, Bernardo and Rosalia, the existing point/counterpoint between the two women strikes the average film-fan as something of a disappointment compared with the dramatic upgrade the song received in the screen version. Whatever the merits of the Hollywood presentation—and they are many—the song and especially the dance as originally conceived is a gem to be treasured in a live rendition, a literal show-stopper. The light-hearted respite from the romance, and from the in-fighting between Anita and Bernardo, is adeptly achieved. The remarkable Chita Rivera, along with Peter Gennaro, joined forces with the Master and helped create a theater classic.
Anita and the Shark girls.
Broadway Revival Cast
1980Debbie Allen and company.
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