Nothing makes a greater tale than a story of opposing sides fighting for victory. A heart-wrenching saga of two different groups battling to the grave for something they want. Ah yes, and it never hurts to throw in a drippy love story.

These plots and many more comprise the storyline for the timeless “Romeo and Juliet”-based musical, “West Side Story.” The show, which has been deemed one of the most celebrated musicals of all time, will be in Ames tonight at 7:30 in Stephens Auditorium.

Nearly 40 years after the show’s Broadway premier, steady ticket sales have proved the musical’s continued ability to intrigue the same audiences after many performances.

“It’s one of those things that continues to recycle ’cause the issues [the musical] deals with are somewhat universal,” said Paul Ferrone, director of performing arts at Stephens. “When you combine a classic storyline and a great composer, every time you listen to it, it sounds fresh to you.”

Considering the awards the show accumulated when it was first performed, it’s not hard to understand the show’s longevity. Jerome Robbins, the musical’s choreographer, as well as Oliver Smith, the show’s scenic designer, won Tony awards for their talents when the musical was originally released.

When the show came back to Broadway in 1980, it won another Tony award for the Best Revival of a Musical.

“West Side Story’s” success continued in 1961 when it was made into a movie. Starring Natalie Wood as Maria and Richard Beymer as Tony, it garnered 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and a special award for Robbins’ choreography.

Robbins’ renown as a choreographer was partly attributed to his technique of integrating the dance steps into the narrative so the dance moves seemed just as much a part of the script as the words.

Journalist Walter Kerr raved about the show in a 1957 issue of The Herald Tribune.

“Jerome Robbins has put together, and then blasted apart, the most savage, restless, electrifying dance patterns we’ve been exposed to in a dozen seasons,” he wrote.

The combination of Robbins’ choreography, Leonard Bernstein’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics have provided for a musical that has more than proved itself over time.

After all, it’s got everything a good musical should — jealousy, heroism, tragedy and a love story to make even the most insensitive weep.

Ferrone said because of its popularity, the Ames performance has the potential to sell out completely.

“I think it’s going to be a very full house,” Ferrone said. “Anybody who isn’t there is going to miss something very special.”

Tickets for “West Side Story,” which cost $17, $14 and $10 for students, are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office and at all Ticketmaster outlets.