CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It's one of the world's most famous musicals and for the next several weeks, 100 artists and musicians will perform "West Side Story" at the Lyric Opera.
"Everybody has their personal story how they saw it or the first time they heard it. It stands aside from other musicals," said Julio Monge, choreographer.
Monge is Puerto Rican-born and moved to New York when he was an aspiring dancer at 19-years old.
Monge is a protege of Robbins, who choreographed West Side Story's original dance moves.
"You listen and it's hit after hit after hit. Maria, The Jet Song, America, all are super amazing hits in our consciousness and in our hearts," said Monge who also said the themes are still relevant today, more than 50 years later.
"The themes are just as fresh. Puerto Rico with what's going on there, but the whole, everything that is popping up now, it's like its 1957," he said.
Monge is also consulting on Steven Spielberg's film version of West Side story to be released in 2020.
"Different generations will love this story, it resonates with so many because it speaks to so many people," Monge said.