Magic of the Musicals, now showing at the Earl Cameron Theatre, delivers a family-friendly cabaret with time-honoured favourites.

The repertoire comes from previous shows by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Bermuda, along with candidates for productions to come.

Songs range from Rodgers & Hammerstein classics to recent Broadway hits such as Wicked, Matilda, and Motown the Musical.

Director Robbie Godfrey, also a singer in the show, has put together a production that spans enough styles and time periods to cater to all audiences.

Philip Shute returns to Bermuda as musical director and leads a small, but accomplished seven-piece band.

The lighting, by Fridthjofur Thorsteinson, seems better suited to a rock concert than traditional musical theatre, but renders a fitting mood for each song.

No costume designer was listed for the show, and perhaps one could have been used.

The children looked great in their school uniforms for Matilda, but a designer’s touch might have benefited the adult cast: it would have been nice to see the ladies in Dreamgirls in matching outfits.

Impressive singing performances came from the children, who stole the show each time in Hard Knock Life, Consider Yourself, Little Shop of Horrors and especially Revolting Children. The highlight of the night had to be One Day More from Les Misérables. The solos were outstanding and, together, the ensemble delivered a sombre, but powerful performance that left the audience cheering.

The production has singers of varying strengths. Among the standout soloists were Gillian Henderson in Phantom of the Opera, Jennifer Minors in Miss Saigon, Sheila Smith in Dreamgirls, Murphey Osbourne in Ragtime and Emma Muggleton in Beauty and the Beast.

Emily Ross, Paige Hallett, Mark Hamilton and Philip Barnett all deserve applause for their Rodgers & Hammerstein medley, which was a test of endurance; the quartet harmonised beautifully, while adding entertaining characterisations.

An honourable mention should go to In Motion for their crisp dancing, as well as the gentlemen who drew laughter from the crowd with their performance of Let it Go, from The Full Monty.

This family show offers a great way to learn about musicals you might have never heard of while still enjoying some of your favourites.

There are no songs from Gilbert & Sullivan themselves; although the time flies, the show is long enough without them: 2½ hours.

• Magic of the Musicals continues tonight at 8pm and Saturday at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased through Premier Tickets as well as www.gands.bm