STAGE musicals come and go but more than 50 years on, this amazing Bernstein- Sondheim collaboration remains one of the most popular and challenging pieces of musical theatre.

Gratifyingly, Calder Valley Youth Theatre has risen to that challenge with a most professional production. Superlatives do not do it justice.

This is certainly a show well suited to youth societies but on several occasions it was difficult to appreciate that all these performers were no more than 18, so accomplished and mature was their portrayal of the myriad characters.

The rival gangs of Jets and Sharks were convincing in their savagery and aggression, alongside Tony (Dan Craig) and Maria (Georgia Lomax-Thorpe) who produced proficient, sensitive and musically stunning performances as the ill-fated lovers.

A feisty Anita (Clara Collett) and menacing Bernardo (Connor Stephenson) were equally convincing, as was Jet leader Riff (Dalton Wood), and Maria's jilted fiancé, Chino (Sean Phillips).

Of special note was Maya Parfett's solo Somewhere, during the well-known ballet sequence, which was beautifully controlled and delivered. Credit must be given to the talented and dedicated production team, led by Abigail Sharp with assistance from Stephen Garrod.

Musical director David Mitchell and his 14-piece orchestra negotiated Bernstein's tortuous score with confidence, providing solid support throughout.

Innovative for its time, dance plays a daringly centre-stage role in this show and Debra Barker's choreography is authentic, vibrant and stylish.

This is a "must see" show, with few tickets now remaining.

It runs until tomorrow (Saturday), (7.15pm, with a 2.15pm matinee tomorrow).