Love will reign this February, as “West Side Story” makes its way to St. Louis.

“West Side Story” is a tale of two worlds coming together in the pursuit of love and hate. It is a dramatic and dynamic dance of human emotion. One of the most compelling love stories of all time, the production will be opening on Valentine’s Day at The Fabulous Fox Theatre and performed by a new Broadway cast.

Based on the book by Arthur Laurents, and with music and lyrics written by Leonard Bernstein and the always-brilliant Stephen Sondheim, the musical first graced the stage in 1957 and has since been performed countless times around the world.

Set in New York City, the musical is loosely based on William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” and follows the struggle between the Jets and the Sharks — two ethnicity-based street gangs fighting for territory and respect. The Jets’ leader, Tony, encounters Maria, the younger sister of the Sharks’ leader, and is captivated by her. Filled with love, Tony refuses to be weighed down by those who question their relationship, but young Maria is more apprehensive. The two struggle to let their love grow when family, friends and the city attempt to keep them apart.

Cast member Laura Irion, who plays a Jets girl named Zaza and a tomboy character named Anybodys, has experience in the St. Louis theater community. Born in Ohio and an alumna of the University of Michigan, Irion performed on the Muny’s stage during her college summers.

“I’m thrilled to be back in St. Louis,” Irion said. “As Zaza, a Jets girl, I have to be sassy and very different from Anybodys. A Jets girl hangs out with the gang. Anybodys is the polar opposite. As a tomboy, she gets to be tough and physically violent.”

“West Side Story’s” musical score is a show within itself, from its quick, daring tunes to its soft, heart-wrenching melodies. Popular songs such as “I Feel Pretty,” “One Hand One Heart” and “America” stick with the audience long after the show is over. The choreography, too, is energetic and dynamic.

“We are using the original Jerome Robbins choreography,” Irion said. “Though the music and dance stick to tradition, the script has been changed. More Spanish has been added, and it makes it much more authentic, I think.”

“West Side Story” will be playing at The Fox, located at 527 N. Grand Blvd., from Feb. 14 through Feb. 26. Tickets range from $15 to $85, and student rush discounts are offered on a day-of-show basis, if available, one hour before the show begins. For a limited time only, join the new Broadway cast in celebrating one of the greatest love stories ever told.

“If you come with a group, everyone will get something different from it,” Irion said. “But, it’s an experience everyone can identify with.”