Andrews' Musical Gift Set for Bay Street Production & Tour

A private concert reading of Simeon's Gift, a new family musical by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, took place at Bay Street Theatre on February 10. It was the first event of Bay Street's Family Theatre Initiative. The show is being developed for full production next November at Bay Street Theatre followed by a national tour in 2008.

The private concert reading featured music by Ian Fraser and lyrics by John Bucchino.  Marcia Milgrom Dodge (The Who's Tommy, Hair at Bay Street) directed. Music Director was David Krane. The cast of readers included Max von Essen, Carolann Sanita, Josh Walden, Everett Bradley and Christy Morton, with narration by Andrews.  

"Simeon's Gift is a magical tale with a timeless lesson about creativity, music, and the power of giving," state press materials.

"The story begins when a humble musician sets out to improve his craft, risking the lose of all that is important to him, including the love of his beautiful Sorrel. The journey brings many discoveries, and though he tries hard to absorb the vast new tapestry of sounds and ideas before him, the scope of choices eventually becomes overwhelming. Dispirited, he turns for home – and alone in the grace of nature, he experiences a series of wondrous events that lead him to the discovery of his own true self, and the glorious gift he has to offer," state press notes.

The musical is adapted from the best-selling picture book (HarperCollins, 2003, illustrations by Gennady Spirin), which premiered on the New York Times Best-Seller List in 2003 and was voted a "Child Magazine Best Book of the Year."

Simeon's Gift will have its World Premiere next November 28 – December 2 at Bay Street Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. Special school group matinees on November 28 and 29 are also on sale now. A complimentary chaperone ticket is included for every group of 20 student tickets sold for the school matinees. For more information on buying tickets for the show, contact the Bay Street Theatre Box Office at 631-725-9500.  Visit www.baystreet.org for more on information on the Bay Street Theatre.

Photos by David Rodgers: 1) Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Andrews Edwards, 2) Everett Bradley, Christy Morton, Max von Essen, Carolann Sanita, Josh Walden; 3) David Krane (Music Director, at the piano), Everett Bradley, Christy Morton, Max von Essen, Carolann Sanita, Josh Walden