Amberlee Weber has been acting since she was in middle school.

Having played many characters, her current role as "Maria" in State College Community Theatre's presentation of West Side Story is one of her favorites.

This is Weber's seventh show at the Boal Barn Playhouse, 300 Old Boalsburg Road. She said she enjoys playing Maria because of the character's strength.

"Because of her culture, she's much stronger than many feminine ingénue parts," Weber said.

The musical drama premiered Wednesday night and runs tonight through July 6, July 8 through 12 and July 15 through 19. There will be no showing on July 4.

West Side Story, first staged on Broadway in 1957, is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, in which Tony, a member of a white gang, falls in love with Maria, a member of a Puerto Rican gang. After three weeks of rehearsals, director Tom McClary is excited to stage the play in front of an audience.

"It's always very exciting. It makes you a little nervous, but it's exciting," he said.

McClary has been directing plays for more than 30 years. He has directed three plays at the Boal Barn Playhouse since 2006. This is the first musical McClary has directed at the barn and the largest cast he's ever had.

"This is one of the nicest groups I've ever worked with," he said.

Weber calls the show "timeless."

"It applies to all generations. Situations change, but over the years there are still people who are prejudiced," she said. "The idea of overcoming prejudice hits home for people."