COOL

The Jets play it cool Broadway Original Cast 1957 [l-r] Tony Mordente, Grover Dale, Carole D'Andrea, Wilma Curley, Mickey Calin, Lee Becker, Hank Brunjes, Eddie Roll, David Winters, and Tommy Abbott (hidden).

The presentation of "Cool" in its original pre-rumble slot possesses an unexpected and sublimely original duality, another unique and brilliant example of the seemingly inexhaustible genius of choreographer and composer. While the characters are meant to be literally cooling off, the dancers who portray them are as frenetic and dynamic as they could possibly be. The music—initially grim and foreboding, eventually explosive—manages to sustain, even intensify the anxiety rather than dispel it. Gang members and audiences alike are anything but calmed in anticipation of the confrontation with the Sharks. The only people who may be relieved are the dancers, knowing they have accomplished one more performance of this demanding, dazzling dance. Once again the story is driven by the score and, ingeniously, not interrupted by it.

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Make it snappy

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