Set in New York City in the late 1950s, "West Side Story" tells the story of a "Romeo and Juliet"-esque forbidden romance between the beautiful Puerto Rican immigrant, Maria, and the handsome American street rat, Tony.

Maria's older brother and Tony are rivals in New York City gangs. After meeting at a dance, Maria and Tony fall in love. But they are forced to keep their relationship a secret for fear of Maria's older brother finding out and ending their romance.

With its dramatic plot, entertaining songs and talent of the legendary Natalie Wood (Maria) and Richard Beymer (Tony), it is no wonder the 1961 hit won 10 Oscars.

Wood's 1950-style full-skirted dresses and Beymer's plaid shirts and shrunken jeans greatly contribute to the authenticity of the musical. Although the actors seem too old to be playing young teenagers, their acting and singing abilities more than make up for this age difference.

Unlike many frivolously entertaining musicals, "West Side Story" boasts a plot and theme of substance. Although productions such as "Mamma Mia!," "42nd Street," "The Producers" and "Anything Goes" include catchy tunes and mesmerizing dance numbers, the plots are flimsy and unimportant.

"West Side Story" not only creates famed music and spectacular dancing but also succeeds in incorporating an important theme.

After a rumble between the gangs causes accidental deaths, the obstinate, uncontrollable and ignorant boys are not satisfied — they seek more revenge. It seems as though they would realize their problems cannot be solved with violence, but this is not the case. Not even in the face of death.

So the vengeance continues. Even at the end, as death becomes more prevalent, the gangs cannot look past their pride and contempt for each other. They refuse to come to an agreement.

This unfortunate ending is characteristic of the real world and leaves a lasting impact on the audience. The gangs cannot comprehend the extent of ceaseless violence they have been creating — but at least the audience does.

Like "Romeo and Juliet," the theme of "West Side Story" is timeless. It does not apply only to a specific period in history, nor does it only apply to a specific country or type of people.

There has always been war, and there will always be war. The musical deals with a subject that will unfortunately be applicable for years to come.

Especially today when the United States is in the midst of such a controversial, saddening and seemingly unending war, "West Side Story" is worth viewing — or at least contemplating.