Diablo Light Opera Company (DLOC) has just scored a big hit with local audiences with a stunning production of the Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents' classic musical, "West Side Story."

Director Grant Rosen and producer Ellen Smith have pulled out all stops to deliver what has to be one of the most exciting productions of "West Side Story" that I have seen in recent years, including the touring Broadway productions. You don't even have to travel to San Francisco, San Jose or Berkeley to see this outstanding presentation, because it is appearing right now in the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts Walnut Creek.

"West Side Story" is always an intriguing production because the themes are eternal. From the blush of first love, to social and ethnic prejudice, to economic stratification of humanity, nothing has really changed. The pain and poison of human beings destroying other human beings over such ridiculous issues is just as much with us today as when Shakespeare wrote the endearing story of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare set the bar for tragedy in personal relationships very high.

It wasn't until the first production of "West Side Story" opened on Broadway nearly 50 years ago that another story would gain so much empathy for a couple of modern star-crossed lovers. "West Side Story" centers around Tony and Maria, the son of Polish immigrants and the daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants, who had the good fortune to discover the romantic thrill of first love, at first sight, and who also had the sad misfortune to be worlds apart socially at the time they found it.

Add to this wonderful Romeo and Juliet love story the incomparable music of Leonard Bernstein and the magic lyrics of Stephen Sondheim and the perfect musical had to happen. I cannot remember how many times I have seen and enjoyed this musical and there have been a number of times that I came away enthralled with the overall effect of all of these elements coming together in perfect proportion. So it is again with this DLOC production. I danced out of the theater, light on my feet, reliving the music and words again and again in my head, all the way home. There is so much that is beyond what you might expect in a local production that it is a pleasure for me to report to you on this one.

First, the actors and actresses: The very lovely Meghann May delivers an exquisite performance as Maria. She has the voice of an angel. She is absolutely stunning! Marie's aunt, Anita, is played superlatively by Donna Rapa-Olsen, who is pluperfect in her portrayal as well. Rapa-Olson can dance - and boy, can she dance; she is truly exciting as well.

Derek Lux, who plays Tony, has been in several other local productions and he is an outstanding, well-rounded actor and performer. He doesn't have as strong a voice as I would prefer to see in the role, but he makes up for it in every other respect. Lux is quite excellent in this character and delivers a heart-warming performance. You've just got to love him!

This cast is so strong, both as actors and dancers, that almost every member adds something special to the overall production. Andrew Call, who came from New York to be in this production, is great as the gang leader of the Jets, and Christopher Goodwin is equally convincing as the gang leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks. The splendid portrayal of Timothy Hobson as the druggist called "Doc" proves unequivocally that there is no small role in this show. "Doc" Hobson is really excellent.

What stands out perhaps most of all is the incredible direction and choreographic expertise of Grant Rosen. Right down to the tinniest detail, Rosen has every concept perfectly delineated, and the cast delivers his message in a perfect staccato style. It is cool, cool, cool, right from the very beginning where the two gangs begin to arrive, to the incredible intricate fight scene choreography, to the brilliant school Mambo dance and the ethereal "dream ballet." It all works well, because Rosen and his wonderful staff say it will work well, and by golly, everyone hits his mark right on cue.

The costumes (by Carol Edlinger) add immeasurably to the overall feel as well, with gangs and the girls perfectly coordinated attire, perfectly executed. It doesn't matter whether we are considering the school dance or the cacophonic and acrobatic fight under the highway.

The award-winning Kelly Tighe, once again designs the highly imaginative set. Set designing just doesn't get much better or more effective than what I have seen under Tighe's direction. The musical score under the musical direction of Cheryl Yee Glass and her 20-piece orchestra comes to full fruition, thrilling and suspenseful and romantic. Lighting under the control of Paul Miller is another important piece of the final puzzle.

I cannot recommend a show more than this production. Every element is right on the mark and you the audience are bound to enjoy it.

"West Side Story" plays through May 8. The Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts is located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Call 943-SHOW (7469) for reservations. Visit the DLOC's Web site at www.dloc.org.