Blue Mountains Musical Society (BMMS) returns to the stage on Friday, August 28 after being unable to perform since November last year.
Their latest production will use an innovative format - a live online concert.
The society was extremely disappointed when its production of Mamma Mia, which was to have opened in May this year and which promised to be their biggest selling show ever, had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. The continuing pandemic saw the society ultimately make the decision to postpone Mamma Mia indefinitely.
"Everyone was so excited to be putting on Mamma Mia, and we'd had such a fantastic response from the community, that it was really disappointing for everyone to have to cancel the show," said society president Aubtin Namdar.
"The cast had been working so hard to put the show together, and suddenly it wasn't happening.
"Everyone was really keen to perform, but there was no way we could do it," said Mr Namdar.
"We came up with the idea of doing a live online concert to give the cast the opportunity to perform in a COVID-safe way, and to provide some much-needed entertainment for our wonderful supporters without them even having to leave their homes."
Performers have been rehearsing over Zoom and will be socially distancing during the performances, which will include songs from Les Miserables, Wicked, Beautiful, We Will Rock You, and of course, Mamma Mia.
"The online concert is comprised entirely of Mamma Mia cast members accompanied by a fantastic live band with talented musicians from all over Sydney," said director Matthew Herne, who is co-ordinating the show.
"This will be a first for the society, a completely live, online show, and we are really excited about it," he said.
BMMS is not-for-profit, but with no income from shows the society is finding it a challenge to cover their ongoing expenses.
"The concert is completely free to watch, but if anyone feels they would like to make a donation to help us get through the next 12 months it would be very much appreciated," said Mr Namdar.
The concert will be streamed via Facebook Live on Friday, August 28 at 7.30pm. For further details see the BMMS website - www.bmms.org.au or their Facebook page.
"It's been a difficult time for the performing arts across Australia since the pandemic began, and we're all really wanting to reconnect with the community and get back into performing," said Mr Herne.
"We really hope this will be a special event for everyone."