The sounds of Broadway will come to Pottsville this weekend for an annual showcase of young local singing talent.
"Lil' Bits of Broadway," hosted by the Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc., will be held at 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the theater. Doors will open 30 minutes before show time.
Sandy Kost-Sterner, the show's director, said 53 performers ranging in age from 5 to 22 will participate in the sixth annual edition of the show featuring favorite Broadway tunes from past and present.
"Pottsville Gymnastics and Theatrical Center Inc. is proud to offer quality programs for youngsters to get involved in the performing arts and have opportunities to be in productions such as the 'Lil' Bits of Broadway' show," she said.
Kost-Sterner said the show will feature a mix of solo and group acts, including duets and trios. Groups scheduled to perform include a children/junior ensemble and senior ensemble, both of which consist of talented singers from the area, and Pottsville GTC's Spotlight Kidz.
The Spotlight Kidz will be the main act at "A Time to Shine presents In the Spotlight" on July 20 at Stage 72 in New York City. The show will feature guest singer and Broadway star Marissa Perry, who is best known for playing Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray."
Preparations for "Lil' Bits of Broadway" began with auditions in May and June. The cast is made up of youngsters with a range of stage experience. In previous years, performers included first-timers to the stage and veterans of the local theater scene.
Kost-Sterner said this year's show will have members from the first "Lil' Bits" returning to perform. Some of the returnees include Reiley Lonergan, Kayla Sabol, Kylee Clark, Cassidy Conroy and Josh Hanrahan.
According to newspaper archives, "Lil' Bits of Broadway" was started by in 2009 by then 10-year-old Lonergan and that year, the show benefited St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Pottsville. Through its shows, Pottsville GTC has given monetary donations to local organizations. The remainder of the money is used to produce its next show.
"Lil' Bits" has become a popular show for theatergoers as well. At last year's fifth anniversary show, the audience packed the Majestic Theater to standing-room-only capacity.
"We are thankful to the audience members who attend for supporting these youngsters in their endeavors in the performing arts," Kost-Sterner said.
For more information, visit "Pottsville Gymnastics & Theatrical Center Inc." on Facebook. If you go
· Event: Sixth annual Lil' Bits of Broadway
· When: 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday
· Where: Majestic Theatre, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville
· Admission: $15 per person
· Information: Visit "Potts- ville Gymnastics & Theatri- cal Center Inc. on Facebook