A golden year for musical commemoration

Eastwood Uniting Church Musical Society (EUCMS) in Sydney celebrates its 50^th Anniversary in 2012. EUCMS members Elizabeth Yager and Christopher Melotti report on the company’s history and the celebration plans.

In 1962, a group of people at the Eastwood Methodist Church decided to devote their spare time to staging theatrical productions. Their aims were simple: to present musical and dramatic works, to promote the church’s values, and to donate profits to charities.

Fifty years and almost 100 productions later, the group, now Eastwood Uniting Church Musical Society Inc (or EUCMS), successfully lives on, staging frequently sold-out shows twice a year. The society has performed a wide variety of works, from classics such as The Pirates of Penzance, Anne of Green Gables and The Sound of Music to more modern productions such as Seussical and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

EUCMS is a very dedicated, warm and family-oriented society, with many families having two or three generations involved. Many EUCMS members and attendees are local to the Eastwood area, and new members are always very welcome. The society continues to donate significant portion of its profits from productions to charity; in fact, a total of $80 000 has been donated over the last ten years. A number of charities that have benefited from EUCMS donations include Eastwood Christian Community Aid Services, Camp Quality, the Cancer Council of NSW, the McGrath Foundation, Young Life Australia and World Vision Australia, to name a few.  
Celebrating fifty years: join in the fun!

2012 marks the group’s 50^th year, and a number of events have been planned throughout this year to celebrate this impressive milestone.
The first event is a 50^th Anniversary Arts and Crafts Fair Day on the April 21^st from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm at Eastwood Uniting Church, which will feature historical exhibits and displays of past costumes, accessories and props, as well as creative workshops, arts and craft stalls and food.
Other events include a formal dinner for all past and present members and a Thanksgiving Church Service. In addition, the society will be presenting two well-loved musicals, My Fair Lady and The Mikado, with seasons in May/June and October/November respectively.

EUCMS would love to hear from past members of the society. Past members are encouraged to get in touch via email (50th@eucms.org.au) or post (P.O. Box 246, Eastwood NSW 2122).  

More information about EUCMS and the events taking place throughout the year, including the productions of My Fair Lady and The Mikado, can be found on the EUCMS website, www.eucms.org.au.

For more information regarding the society or the 50^th Anniversary events please contact 02 9037 0660

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