The theater world is pretty small. No question about it. When I learned with just a few hours notice that I'd be talking by phone with the woman who plays Anita in the national tour of "West Side Story" coming Tuesday to the Saroyan Theatre, I turned to Facebook to ask if any of my "theater friends" had anything they would like me to ask her.

Within minutes, I got a response from Josh Montgomery, artistic director of Fresno's Children's Musical Theaterworks:

"Michelle Alves is an amazing performer and a friend of mine! I can't wait to see her as Anita. Y'all need to catch this show!! MAMBO!"

The two met while Alves was playing in a production of "Hairspray" in Reno.

Sure enough, I drop Montgomery's name while chatting with Alves.

"I'm so excited to see him in Fresno," she says, practically squealing when she hears his name.

Then again, excitement seems to be her standard interview demeanor.

"I will never get tired of doing this show," she says. "I'm trying to catch every vibe out of it. Anita is a woman full of emotions. She's passionate, energetic. She believes in dreams. She's strong. She's full of great energy."

Lots of little girls dream of playing Anita, who gets to sing the classic song "America" in the show, but Alves has a special connection.

Born in Puerto Rico, she saw the beloved movie at age 5 and was entranced into a love of musical theater. She went on to perform in Puerto Rico in such productions as "RENT" and "Hair." Like Anita, she moved to the mainland in search of greater opportunity. In Alves' case, she was seeking a more viable professional theater career.

Landing the role of Anita in a national tour was an exciting break for her.

"I'm playing my dream role," she says. "Every night I feel like I'm on a cloud."

"West Side Story" got a jolt of energy in 2009 with a revival on Broadway that wove lots more Spanish into the lyrics and dialogue than the original 1957 version.

Some of those lyrics were changed back to English later in the run, but about 10% of the show remains in Spanish, Alves says.

This non-Equity national tour is the road version of the revival, complete with its more contemporary sheen.

Alves, a professional dancer from age 16, considers that her biggest strength. But to be Anita requires great singing and acting as well. Alves' dancing prowess comes in handy in "America." Her favorite song, however, is "A Boy Like That," because of its dramatic heft.

Is it tough to play an iconic role in the footsteps of such greats as Rita Moreno and Chita Rivera?

"It's a heavy thing when I think of them, but I bring my own Anita," she says. "I don't want to copy them."

Connecting with her character each night is such an emotional experience that she can get a little homesick at times.

"I miss my people," she says. "I miss my island."

THEATER PREVIEW

"West Side Story," 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Saroyan Theatre, 700 M St. magicspace.net/fresno, (800) 745-3000. $40.50-$70.50.