Simeon's Gift tells the tale of a young wandering minstrel in search of the music within his soul. Through his fairy-tale like travels, he encounters numerous characters and creatures that ultimately help him release the music within. Julie Andrews Edwards and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, penned the picture book, which is noted for both its story and evocative illustrations. Gennady Spirin's original artwork from the book will be available for sale during the evening with a portion of the proceeds donated to Bay Street.

The original new musical — penned by Ian Fraser (Academy Award nominee for the score of the film "Scrooge") and lyrics by acclaimed songwriter John Bucchino (Broadway's upcoming A Catered Affair) — will receive a fully staged production later this year at Bay Street to be followed by a subsequent tour.

The staged concert will benefit Bay Street's new Family Theatre Initiative. Simeon's Gift is the first production in this new venture. Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs the reading, which will feature a talkback with the authors immediately following the performance.

Academy Award winner Julie Andrews is well known for her work on stage and film. She made her Broadway debut in The Boy Friend, which was followed by the role that would launch her career, Eliza Doolittle, in My Fair Lady; she also starred in Broadway's Camelot and Victor/Victoria. Andrews also starred in the highly successful films "Mary Poppins" and the screen adaptation of Rodger and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music."

Tickets for this special concert reading are $100 for adults and $25 for children (up to age 12). The reading is recommended for children 8 and above. For tickets call (631) 725-0818, ext. 204 or e-mail [email protected].