Bay Street is run by Emma Walton (Andrews' daughter) and husband Steve Hamilton and Sybil Burton Christopher. Sponsored by Target Stores, the production is scheduled to begin performances Aug. 5, and there are hopes that the musical will find its way to Broadway. Andrews, who recently completed a limited tour opposite Christopher Plummer in A Royal Christmas, told the industry paper, "I'm going places I never thought I'd go. . . . The Boy Friend was the turning point in my career. I'm awed [at the prospect of directing], but I'm in friendly hands — it's a big family thing."

Andrews has also been busy filming two "Eloise" films for ABC: "Eloise at the Plaza," scheduled to air in May; and "Eloise at Christmas," to air next December. Disney also hopes to film "Eloise in France," and DreamWorks would like Andrews to voice the Princess' Queen Mother in the "Shrek" sequel, "Shrek II." The actress will also star in "Princess Diaries II."

Julie Andrews — who was born in Surrey, England — starred on Broadway in the original productions of The Boyfriend, My Fair Lady and Camelot, the stage version of Victor/Victoria, and in the Off-Broadway Stephen Sondheim revue, Putting It Together. She won an Academy Award for her work in "Mary Poppins" and Oscar nominations for "The Sound of Music" and "Victor/Victoria." Andrews' other film credits include "The Americanization of Emily," "Hawaii," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Star," "10," "S.O.B." and "That's Life." Andrews also writes children's books and is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) and has traveled to several countries on their behalf.