Tuesday, October 23, 2012 | 6 p.m.

West Side Story is a 1961 musical film directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. The film is an adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was adapted from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. It stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno and George Chakiris and it was photographed by Daniel L. Fapp, A.S.C., in Panavision 70.

NYIT is proud to host a screening for the Gold Coast International Film Festival in the 50th year anniversary of the movie West Side Story, and are honored to have the leaders of the rival gangs "Sharks" Bernardo (George Chakiris) and the "Jets" Riff (Russ Tamblyn), back in New York City, to join us on a very special panel and participate in an audience Q & A.

Where: NYIT Auditorium on Broadway
1871 Broadway, between 61st & 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023

www.nyit.edu/aob

Reception: 6 p.m.
Conversation & Film: 6:45 p.m.

** If you would like to attend this event, please email Terri Carr Muran at cevents@nyit.edu to RSVP **

Moderator: Heather Lowe

Heather Lowe is President of OXFORD GROUP PRODUCTIONS, a Los Angeles based production company focused on international films, Network and Cable movies plus legitimate Theatre. Ms. Lowe is involved in acquisitions, development, packaging, financing and distribution of properties.

Heather began her career represented by ICM, one of Hollywood's most influential talent agencies.

She produced the highly acclaimed film, “THE AVENGING ANGEL” starring Tom Berrenger, Charlton Heston, and James Coburn, for financier Ted Turner and Turner Pictures.

As a theatrical producer, her numerous national shows have been well-received. The distinguished production of “DOWN WINDER DANCE" starring Sara Gilbert, entails the 1950’s Atom Bomb testing in Utah and its effect on the farmers and livestock living down wind of the nuclear blasts. Eventually the United States government accepted partial responsibility for the terrible aftermath; by then most of the victims with cases were deceased.

Heather is currently directing and producing a documentary focusing on the Civil Rights Era told thru the eyes of the Justice Department. In cooperation of THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER, the current film includes 65 hours of interviews with the heroic leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and government officials.
 
Her other present projects include a U.S. / UK Co-Production, "MEGA CON" with director Jason Connery, whose father is the legendary actor, Sean Connery. Also in pre-production is the U.S. Independent film, "H. B. BREAKDOWN", written by Andrew Prine.

Heather attended the American Academy, studied with Stella Adler and is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her various film and television credits include: 48 Hours, American Hot Wax, Battle For The Planet Of The Apes, Dallas, Three's Company and The Odd Couple.

Working with prominent ad agencies like BBD&O and Grey Advertising, Ms. Lowe became the spokesperson for lucrative commercial campaigns as 'the face of Yardley Oatmeal Soap', Birdseye, Sprite and Anheuser-Busch.

Heather has been the Guest Speaker at The Kennedy Center, Purdue University, Miami University, the Youth Playwrights Forum at Indiana University and Guest Judge for The Irene Ryan Competition.

OXFORD GROUP PRODUCTIONS is yearly represented at the Cannes Film Festival.

Actor: Russ Tamblyn

Russ Tamblyn’s career as an actor, dancer, choreographer, director and artist has spanned six decades.  Born December 30th, 1934 into a show business family, Russ has performed in every kind of venue, from small playhouses to Madison Square Garden.  His roots began in the heyday of Hollywood; he was discovered by Lloyd Bridges who gave10 year old Russ his first part in a play, STONE JUNGLE. This launched Russ into an extensive career in motion pictures, television and theater.

Russ’ first motion picture credit came in 1948, when he played a supporting role in THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR. Cecil B. DeMille saw a special quality in Russ and cast him as young King Saul in the epic, SAMSON AND DELILAH. Many films followed, including FATHER OF THE BRIDE AND FATHER’S LITTLE DIVIDEND in which he portrayed Elizabeth Taylor’s brother.  The title role in THE KID FROM CLEVELAND was next, but it was his dynamic performance in Warner Brothers’ RETREAT HELL that won him a long-term contract with MGM studios.  While there, Russ starred in the in the classic musical, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, bringing him worldwide fame for his dancing and acting.  He also starred opposite Debbie Reynolds in HIT THE DECK, for which he won a Golden Globe for “Most Promising Newcomer”.  His musicality, championship tumbling and cat-like agility, blending with his strong dramatic skills, made Russ “MGM’s Most Popular Young Star!” Russ’ career skyrocketed with an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the critically acclaimed film, PEYTON PLACE. From there, Russ was offered starring roles in some of the hottest films in Hollywood including TOM THUMB, DON’T GO NEAR THE WATER, HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL, THE LONG SHIPS and THE HAUNTING. Most notably, Russ starred in WEST SIDE STORY as “Riff”, the leader of the Jets.

In 1964, seeking a deeper means of self-expression, Russ’ creative focus shifted from the performing arts to the fine arts.  His unique work in collage and assemblage brought him recognition in numerous gallery exhibitions and museums, including the Los Angles Institute of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  Russ’ work was featured in the recent landmark art exhibition, PACIFIC STANDARD TIME. His art and poetry can be found in numerous international art publications.

Russ continued his first love of the performing arts when he starred in such theater works as CABARET, FOLLIES, THE MUSIC MAN, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, GEORGE M. and BYE BYE BIRDIE, opposite Chita Rivera.

In the early Eighties, Russ co-starred, co-wrote and choreographed the rock-noir movie, HUMAN HIGHWAY. This was a collaborative effort with long-time friends, Neil Young, Dean Stockwell and Dennis Hopper.
Russ started his television credits with dancing on the Ed Sullivan show and he continued with guest-starring roles in various shows, including GUNSMOKE, NERO WOLFE, BABYLON 5, QUANTUM LEAP, and NASH BRIDGES. But he is most remembered for his performance as Dr. Jacoby in the landmark Television series, TWIN PEAKS. In 2003-2004, Russ joined Neil Young’s Greendale tour as Director and Choreographer as well as playing the role of Captain John Green.

Most Recently, Russ played comedian David Cross’s father on the British comedy TV series, THE INCREASINGLY POOR DECISIONS OF TODD MARGARET, which was released in the U.S. on IFC in the spring of 2012. He also did a cameo role in the recent motion picture film, DRIVE. Russ also has a cameo roll in the up-coming Quentin Tarantino film, DJANGO UNCHAINED.

Currently Russ is finishing up his much anticipated autobiography, “Dancing on the Edge”

Actor: George Chikiris

Music composed and conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

Public Event.