Presented on the "Ed Sullivan Show" to acclaim in 1958, the work features a jazz score by Robert Prince and "told the story of disaffected urban youth through movement that blended ballet, jazz and ballroom dancing with Latin, African and American rhythms to create a powerfully expressive, sexy and contemporary style."
NYCB has created a scripted film version that was shot on location with 35mm film across New York City, including the pre-renovation High Line, McCarren Pool, Coney Island, Red Hook, and Carroll Gardens.
Matt Wolf and Anna Farrell also created a 15-minute documentary about the film, that captures the history of Opus Jazz and features original West Side Story cast member Eliot Field, as well as original Opus dancer Sondra Lee.
The film will debut as part of the 2010 South by Southwest Film Festival, and have it's broadcast premiere March 24 on PBS’ "Great Performances."
Here's a look at the trailer:
