It’s not the most conventional summer spectacle, but all the elements are there, and it’s far more satisfying than most anything you’ll seen in the hot months of 2013. There is chilling music, heavily choreographed sequences, and awe-inspiring action scenes (of sorts). There is a love story too, the universal kind that appeals to both the warm-hearted romantics and the more hardened macho souls.

In a much anticipated and widely attended event, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra hosted a viewing of the classic Leonard Bernstein musical, West Side Story, with its own special twist. A screen was set up above the stage at Roy Thompson Hall, as the film played out with its score performed by the orchestra. Shown in hi definition, the orchestra, under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke, played along with a film that dropped its soundtrack in favour of the live thing. The original singing remained from the film, creating an electric fusion of sound and entertainment the enveloped the theatre.

The 1961 masterpiece directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise tells the music and dance-infused tale of star-crossed lovers in New York City. The Jets and the Sharks are rival gangs, with each group wearing a chip on its shoulder. The Jets claim their land, compelled to act important, while the Sharks, having emigrated from Puerto Rico, struggle with assimilating into a society where they are still outcasts.

When Jet Tony (Richard Beymer) locks eyes with Maria (Natalie Wood), the sister of Shark leader Bernardo, their love is immediate, passionate, and forbidden.

West Side Story remains still as one of the best cinematic adaptations of a musical, timeless and impressive, mainly because it embraces the theatre aspect of story. The action takes place across a few different sets, with our characters dancing throughout; the entire film wholly embraces the fact that it is a musical, something with which many modern day adaptations struggle. Thus, live musical accompaniment fits perfectly, almost as if this was the way it was always meant to be enjoyed.

All of this is to say that the TSO has chosen wisely in their choice of film for this truly immersive experience. It is in fact a unique experience, often thrilling and at times even chilling, as ‘America’ proves even more grandiose on screen, and ‘Tonight’ is emotionally gripping.

The first of three shows was incredibly well received, with applause erupting spontaneously after some of the selections, while the wit and drama of the film elicited apt laughter and shock. At times a select few couldn’t quite effectively channel their love of the film, though I’m not sure there is an Orchestra-Film Hybrid Etiquette Guide that describes whether or not it’s okay to shout ‘Mambo!’ during the gymnasium scene. Alas.

The event is part of the TSO’s various Pop Series, which take place on Tuesdays or Wednesday, and look to a slightly more casual and certainly more upbeat feel. There is popcorn, among other snacks available, and patrons are not only allowed to bring in a purchased beer or glass of wine to the show, but encouraged to sip and listen. Future events in the series will see the TSO perform the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, New Orleans Jazz, and Lerner and Loewe, the famed songwriting pair known for My Fair Lady and Camelot.

If you missed West Side Story, similar productions await. In like fashion, the Reineke will conduct the orchestra as they play the score of Casablanca, with the film playing out in front of the audience. That event takes place on Friday and Saturday, February 14^th, and 15^th, making it a great Valentine’s Day outing for 2014.

For more information on forthcoming shows, as well as the TSO’s discounted ticket program, check out TSO and TSoundcheck.