During their run of seven shows from May 11 to May 19, the local performing arts groups paid tribute to famous artists and musicians who had died.

The Music Never Dies director Georgia Sadler said the group was pleased knowing it could donate substantial amounts of money to nominated charities after an upsurge in ticket sales. 

“Our ticket sales were incredibly high, almost 1400 tickets, which is a huge jump and it means the amount we can pledge to the charities this year is more,” Ms Sadler said.

“Regardless of how we feel things, knowing it was worth it and the money we’re able to give away is going to be substantial to make a big difference, [it’s] really positive.”

Ms Sadler said it was a privilege to work with a live band who had to play more than 50 songs.

The director also made a special mention of choreographer Jess McKay, front of house crew, backstage manager Cat Sommerville and volunteers from TAFE, who committed to doing makeup and hair at each show.

Ms Sadler also praised the cast for banding together and making sure the shows “went off without a hitch”.

“This kind of show has so much work behind the scenes that no one ever knows about,” she said.

“The two committees, the executive and show committee, as well as the cast, they’re working for seven months.”

However, her greatest compliments were left for the audience who were heavily involved with their singing and dancing in many of the acts. 

Ms Sadler said the crowd loved The Beatles medley and three different Elvis performers.

“We had a fantastic time, the audiences loved it and the biggest comments we were getting from everyone was just how fun and how exciting and positive and upbeat the whole show was,” she said.

“Mentioning things like ‘there wasn’t one song I didn’t know’ or ‘we couldn’t stop ourselves from getting up and dancing’, so all the feedback was really positive.

“Even the matinee crowds were so enthusiastic, it surprised us.”

When The Times asked Ms Sadler whether she would direct again, the director said she “probably” would give it another go if she had the same support network by her side.

“I’m super passionate about it, and I’m passionate about the performing arts and I loved working with them,” she said.

“I’ve learnt a lot and it would be a shame not to put all of the things I’ve learnt to good use, so we’ll see what happens.”