Musical was 'kaleidoscope'
Pearl Beach Youth Theatre's first production of the children's musical Little Gypsy Gaye was "a kaleidoscope of colour and movement", according to Pearl Beach Progress Association communications officer Ms Lynne Lillico.
Ms Lillico said the one-night performance attracted a sell-out crowd and another performance was scheduled due to popular demand.
"Little Gypsy Gaye was written in the 1930s with words by Molly Masters and music by Evelyn Wales," Ms Lillico said.
"The story is about the events that take place on the 10th birthday of a girl named Gaye. "The story has a surprise ending with Gaye being reunited with her real family and the promise that she will return each year to spend time with her adopted gypsy family."
Ms Lillico said members of the Pearl Beach Youth Theatre unanimously decided to donate all proceeds from the performance to the Central Coast School for Children with Autism.
The performance at Pearl Beach Community Hall raised more than $2000 for the local school.
Musical director Ms Diane Orton said the youth theatre group consisted of children aged between eight and 15 years.
"I am delighted with the children's professional dedication and their willingness to accept guidance and direction," Ms Orton said.
"The commitment made by their parents in ensuring that the young performers remained focused throughout the intensive rehearsal schedules was extremely important to the success of the musical production."
According to Ms Lillico, the Gypsy Market Place stalls at the conclusion of each performance provided a carnival atmosphere where cast members in their colorful costumes mingled with the audience.
"The stalls, selling an assortment of handmade jam and cakes and a selection of other items as well as fortune telling and numerous games for the younger audience to participate in, was a great success," Ms Lillico said.
"Members of the Pearl Beach community provided their expertise and assistance with costume design, set preparation, choreography, musical direction and photography."
A photo DVD of the performance is available to purchase for $10 each.
For more information, phone 4344 2319.
Press release, 18 Jan 2009
Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association