STAGE REVIEW : Emotions Build in This ‘Story’ : The Yorba Linda production of Bernstein-Sondheim musical starts slowly, but the cast soon turns up the heat.

The Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera’s “West Side Story” starts tentatively, as if the cast is reluctant to let their spirit show. But things loosen up soon enough, and by the big gym dance scene, this production is showing the right exuberance.

If any musical needs a little heat, it’s this one. The Leonard Bernstein-Stephen Sondheim streetwise take on “Romeo and Juliet” is all about burning hormones and teen love. Without some passionate flame-ups between Maria and Tony, and all their ghetto friends and family, “West Side Story” can seem less than fully realized.

Director Tim Kashani understands that. He asks his cast to be big on emotion without getting too far out. There’s definitely a range in talent in his relatively young cast, but the performances are satisfying, overall, and sometimes more than that.

As Tony, Sam Zeller looks too old for the role and his adjustments aren’t always effective. There are times when the oh-gosh mannerisms look strained, but the portrayal is decent enough in capturing Tony’s spirit. Zeller has a powerful voice, but he has some trouble when Bernstein’s wonderful score reaches the higher ranges.

No problems at all with Kristi Peterson as Maria. Her singing is clear and bright, and she knows how to evoke the purity at the heart of the character. Peterson’s rendition of “Tonight” is touchingly earnest.

The support is mostly able, with Lanell Henson as a sexy Anita, Gary Franco as a moody Bernardo and Dan Flanagan as a hot-tempered Riff.

One of the show’s highlights is Kashani and Joshua Eklund’s adaptation of the original Jerome Robbins’ choreography. It stays close to the source but with a spate of individual flourishes that put a premium on vitality. Besides the gym dance passage, the “America” scene stands out.

‘West Side Story’

A Yorba Linda Civic Light Opera production of the musical by Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) and Arthur Laurents (book). Directed by Tim Kashani. With Tyler Hinds, Dan Flanagan, Gary Franco, Kelly Sherwood, Chase Allen, Charlie Reeves, Joshua Eklund, Frederick Kelly, Mia Mercado, Peter Dunkley, Kristi Peterson, Lanell Henson, Gabriel Silva, Wade Bradford, Val Aniceto, Joseph Saenz, Monique Naffaa, Jacqueline Case, Sunny Eleccir, Shira Weiss, Karina Wasnick, Craig Lillywhite, Heather Dickenson, Sara Lane, Mary Sharon Dziedzic and Nicole Humphries. Musical director Tim Nelson. Sets by Greg Henrichson. Lighting by Edward Huber. Costumes by Jorri Northrup. Plays Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through Oct. 18 at 4175 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda. Tickets: $9 to $13.50. (714) 779-8591.