City is alive for Julie Andrews.

Byline: Jacqueline Reis

WORCESTER - One of the first people to have her picture taken with Julie Andrews last night was Meaghan Burke of Worcester, a 5-year-old in a lovely dress with a sequined headband that matched her sequined shoes.

The countless people who also stood in line for a picture seemed, in Ms. Andrews' presence, transported back to Meaghan's age.

"I just grew up watching her. She's such an elegant and classy lady," said Mikayla S. Campbell, 17, of Worcester, who cried while meeting the star of stage and screen.

"We just got to hug Julie Andrews!" said Joseph R. Maynard, 18, of Oxford, who came with his friends Melissa J. Mahoney, 18, and Julia R. Mahoney, 20, also of Oxford. "She's been my idol since I was 5," he said.

Ms. Andrews, 72, was the guest of honor at the Worcester Educational Development Foundation's third annual fundraiser for arts education in the city's public schools.

Patricia A. Ryan, a teacher at Dr. Arthur F. Sullivan Middle School, said she had been singing in her car all week to get ready. "I've been a fan since I was a little girl," she said.

So had sisters Kathleen Moylan, a teacher at Worcester Technical High School; Meaghan Butman, a teacher at Gates Lane School; and Erin Beardsley, who came with their mother, Maureen Mahoney.

"We're a huge `Sound of Music' house," said Ms. Moylan, whose daughter Abigail performed last night. "I so wanted Christopher Plummer to be my father."

Ms. Andrews appeared at a $100 reception prior to introducing the evening's performances by Worcester public school students. "Your efforts and causes are so close to my heart," she said. "I am in awe of the beauty and elegances of your community." She lost her singing voice to surgery several years ago and did not sing last night.

The performance by Worcester elementary through high school students ranged from dancing and instrumental ensembles to singing and a bit of impromptu magic. Called "The Hills are Alive!," the show's theme was music from Ms. Andrews' career and concluded with a "Sound of Music" singalong. In between the opening "Fanfare for Julie" and singalong were several remarkable performances, including student Christopher Bullock's performance of part of a Bach concerto on the xylophone, and five young women dancing their hearts out on a narrow strip of stage between the full orchestra and chorus and the audience.

Ms. Andrews arrived after a persistent campaign by school officials Frances A. Arena, manager of curriculum management and development; Janet Mathieu, community outreach specialist; and Louise Clarke, vice president of the board of Worcester Educational Development Foundation. The event was such a success that there were not enough seats at Mechanics Hall to hold everyone, which left some audience members grumbling and standing in the aisles.

ART: PHOTO

PHOTOG: T&G Staff/JIM COLLINS

CUTLINE: Julie Andrews was honored last night at Mechanics Hall, joined here by Giovanni Petrella,8, left, and Garrett Levesque, 12, from Worcester Arts Magnet School.