This year marks the 50th anniversary of “West Side Story.”

In paying homage to this iconic American musical, The 5th Avenue Theatre decided to produce a “once-in-a-lifetime” fully-realized version of the show.

Expectations were high on opening night, as the audience waited on the edge of their seats to see if this production would meet all the advance hype.

After all, this “West Side Story” was billed as the version that “its creators originally intended,” featuring Jerome Robbins’ original choreography as seen in the 1957 Broadway production, a full orchestra playing Leonard Bernstein’s complete score and a cast of more than 40 performers singing Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics. Within moments into the first number, it was clear that this was going to be an evening to remember.

And no one was going to go home disappointed. The 5th Ave’s production, under the helm of director Bill Berry, is top-notch with a cast that outdoes itself in bringing to life this timeless story of passion, romance, revenge and heartbreak.

A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, “West Side Story” charts the collision course of two feuding New York City gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the pair of young lovers caught in the crossfire.

The show is known for its explosive dancing and electrifying music, as well as for its dramatic components.

The orchestra, under the baton of Ian Eisendrath, does a commendable job in performing Bernstein’s unique score, which combines symphonic music with elements of Bebop, Latin, Blues, Operetta and Broadway.

And the dozens of actors, singers and dancers do justice to this legendary work. The cast includes such notable standouts as Louis Hobson, in the role of Tony; Maegan McConnell, as Maria; Manoly Farrell as Anita; Michael D. Jablonski as Riff; and Miguel A. Romero, as Bernardo.

Hobson, who has graced The 5th Ave’s stage a number of times (“Pippin,” “Hair,” “Miss Saigon”), is a gifted performer with a strong, tuneful voice that resonates with passion. As Tony, he wears his heart on his sleeve and bursts with hope and desire for a new life.

McConnell is note-for-note, Hobson’s equal. She has a beautiful set of pipes and matches his intensity with an ardent fervor, especially during such duets as “Tonight” and “One Hand, One Heart.” McConnell convincingly portrays the naiveté and innocence of her young, spunky character, as well as shows the affects of tragedy that transform her into a woman, who becomes wise beyond her years. Both Hobson and McConnell give compelling performances that are at the core of the show’s soul.

But it is the talented ensemble surrounding them that also needs to be credited for its success. Of special note are nine dancers from Seattle’s acclaimed Spectrum Dance Theater, who portray members of the Jets and Sharks.

These dancers, together with the rest of the cast, help to tell the show’s story through Jerome Robbins’ ground-breaking choreography (recreated for this production by Bob Richard). Their energy is contagious, as they attack each number with robust athleticism and grace. Moves range from highly stylized steps to inventive ballets of pirouettes and running jumps.

With fists clenched and fingers snapping, dancers convey the anger, violence and the sense of hopelessness of youth who feel trapped by their circumstances. It’s exhilarating to watch these talented performers execute Robbins’ physically demanding choreography with such spirit and panache.

“West Side Story” still packs the emotional power and punch it did when it was first introduced to audiences 50 years ago.

It’s a show that engages the nostalgia of the past, while remaining relevant to the present, with themes that continue to be prevalent within society today.

The legends behind the original production would be proud of The 5th Ave’s thrilling and moving production.

“West Side Story” runs through June 17. For ticket information, call (206) 625-1900 or visit: www.5thavenue.org.