Auditions for the principal role of Maria in Steven Spielberg's film remake of West Side Story will be held in Puerto Rico December 11, according to an open casting call issued by Cindy Tolan. The casting director is also accepting video submissions for the role.
The casting call for Maria specifies Latinx actors between 15 and 25 years of age with a strong dance background and ability to sing. Performers not attending the open call in Puerto Rico are instructed to email a photo and video to [email protected].
As previously reported, Rita Moreno, who earned an Oscar in 1962 for her performance as Anita in the original movie adaptation of the classic musical, will play Valentina (a new take on the character Doc), and Ansel Elgort is set to star as Tony. No further casting has been announced.
The movie will feature a script by Pulitzer Prize-winning Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner (with whom Spielberg collaborated on the Academy Award-winning Lincoln) and choreography by Carousel Tony winner Justin Peck.
Production on West Side Story is expected to begin in summer 2019, months before a new revival from Ivo van Hove is expected to arrive on Broadway.
