There was not a dry eye in the house last weekend as the curtain went down at the end of the Morristown Theatre Guild’s "West Side Story."

Although this modernized Romeo and Juliet story is one most are familiar with, it is difficult to ignore the moving performance by this talented cast.

The musical, first conceived by choreographer Jerome Robbins and fleshed out by composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and playwright Arthur Laurents, follows two New York City street gang rivals, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Things get complicated, however, when Tony (a Jet) falls in love with the Sharks’ ringleader’s sister, Maria.

Micah-Shane Brewer, artistic director of the Guild, pulls double-duty this time around and takes on the role of Tony. Not only does he perform his character flawlessly (his "Maria" is absolutely gorgeous), but he has banded together a perfect cast of both Theatre Guild veterans and rookies alike. From the impeccably designed set, to the exciting choreography, to the acting and singing, it is as if the 1961 Academy Award winning movie has come to life on stage, right here in Morristown.

One of the highlights of the show was the beautiful rendition of "Somewhere" sung by East High School student Jessica Eckenrod.

However, it’s Allison Perfetti as the feisty Anita who commands the stage every time she sets foot onto it. She is perfectly contrasted by Lacey Capps as Maria whose dazzling soprano voice sends chills throughout the whole audience. The chemistry between Capps and Brewer is electric and their voices blend faultlessly.

The Jets are led by Riff, who is portrayed very convincingly by Aaron Bowen, and Sharks’ ringleader Bernardo is played by Drew Ogle. These two do a great job of conveying the extreme hatred these two gangs have for one another.

Ashley Cunningham’s (who is also pulling double-duty as Action the Jet) choreography resembles Jerome Robbins’ original moves, but is different enough to shed a little creativity in a very familiar show. The cast executes these demanding dances with such ease that it seems only natural that a group of hard, gruff gang members would be chasing down the streets of New York City. It is obvious that a lot of time and practice went into making this show a reality.

The talented ensemble of this show is really what makes it, though. Songs such as "The Jet Song," "Cool" and "Officer Krupke" are faultlessly performed by the Jets and their girls who include Josh Waddell, Destry Cloud, Kyle Ogden, Chris Rhoton, Matt Edwards, Ashley Cunningham, Kendra Haynes, Danielle Lemasters, Anna Campbell, Rebecca Grybowski, Sarah Shanks, Sarah Parker, Sarah Zain, Jessica Owensby and Lindsey Decker.

"America" and "I Feel Pretty" are performed by the spicy Sharks girls who include Annie Cavin, Amy Durand, Margaret Workman, Audrey Taveras and Jessica Eckenrod. The Sharks are played by Adam Malone, Norman Zain, Nathan McGhee, Jared Riddle, Anthony Bowman and Sam Costilow.

The "adults" of the show are played by Ed Cunningham, Gary Poythress, Michael DeMar and Hobert Smith.

"West Side Story" will play June 23, 24, 30 and July 1 at 8 p.m. with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on June 25 and July 2. Performances are held at the William H. Inman Humanities Theatre at Walters State Community College in Morristown.