Barbara Lawlor, Gilpin county.  It was a simple set. The floor was bare, the curtains dark red, a stool on one end, a microphone in the middle. It was Friday night, September 15, and the Gilpin Elementary Theatre Department was hosting a fundraiser for Gilpin Elementary School Performing Arts.

The set resembled a cabaret stage: efficient and classy, with the focus on the performers, spotlights eliminating the background, lighting the faces of the singers. “A Taste of Broadway,” was a review of popular songs and dances from Broadway shows. It was an ensemble of familiar tunes that zipped along through the program.

Emcees Curt Halsted and Misty Ebers introduced the numbers and offered tidbits about the performers and their backgrounds.

The show began with a lively number, sung and danced by the Gilpin school second graders; “Let’s Go to the Movies,” from Annie. Performers included Ella Albrecht, Amelia Bushey, Kaylee Harmsen, Devyn Hulin, Norah Manley, Addyson Myhre, Fallyne Rongved, Mila Schneider, Maya Sechler and Sofia Whisenant.

An arrangement of duets and solos featured numbers from “Singing in the Rain,” Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Rent,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” Little Shop of Horrors” and “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.”

Besides the song and dance, there were many items donated by the community for the silent auction; the Isle Casino donated desserts and Kayce Harmsen, the hors d’oeuvres.

The annual fundraiser goes to helping the theater department have funds necessary to put on student productions throughout the year.

On Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, “Annie, Kids” will be performed at 7 p.m.