Sing for America, celebrated its 10th anniversary Dec. 29 with a reception at the Charles A. Brown Ice House, Bethlehem, followed by a salute to military veterans in attendance and a performance of “A Little Princess.”

“A Little Princess,” which continues through Jan. 3, is the perfect coda to the holiday theatrical season. Part Dickensian tale meets “The Lion King,” “Princess” is a fun and colorful journey from the tropics of Africa to the streets and rooftops of London and even to the jungles of Timbuktu.

The Gilbert Family, the driving force behind Sing for America, once again showcases not only their own incredible talents, but also those of area performers, many of them children and young adults.

“A Little Princess,” with book and lyrics by Brian Crawley, music by Andrew Lippa and based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is a favorite of the Gilberts and this year marks the second consecutive season they have performed the production.

Like all Sing for America productions, this is a Gilbert family affair both on stage and off. Tasia Gilbert is director. Taryn, Tasia and Teara Gilbert are choreographers. Teara Gilbert is costume designer. Jewel and Jorne Gilbert are set designer. Mom, Gina Gilbert, is production manager. Bruce Gilbert, the Gilbert Family patriarch, plays a lead role as Captain Crewe in “A Little Princess.”

The costumes are vivid and colorful. They “pop” and even appear to glow under certain stage lighting. It’s a yummy visual candy dish.

Dance is as integral to this production as song and there are several interpretive dance pieces and large-scale numbers featuring the ensemble. Dance styles range from African to ballet, stomp, a ribbon dance and tap.

Several performers provide standout moments in solo pieces, including Madison Cerniglia (Sarah Crewe), Morgan Butler (Becky), Allie Santos (Aljana) and Madeline Dunne (Miss Amelia).

Jonathon Burrus (Pasko) deserves singular mention. This 15-year-old performer is a vocal powerhouse and his solo brought the room to a hush. If this young man continues in the performing arts, I predict you will see his name on even bigger marquees.

Every good story needs an antagonist and Dee Klindt’s Miss Minchin is devilishly wicked. Klindt, who is decidedly good-natured off-stage, truly embodies Minchin in body language and line delivery.

In addition to Minchin as the mean headmistress of the boarding school, Eliza Espada is perfect as rotten school bully, Lavinia.

Bruce Gilbert (Captain Crewe) has a fantastic stage presence and a baritone voice that’s perfect for live performance.

The Gilbert siblings have roles on stage as dancers. Jorne and Jewel Gilbert even do a wacky Keystone Cop type routine, complete with pratfalls.

Sing for America productions are always earnest and clever. They create settings out of the most unlikely raw materials. There’s a collection of set pieces and costumes from past productions on display on the second floor of the Ice House. It is worth arriving a little before curtain to peek into this family-run theater company’s evolution.

Sing for America and the Gilbert family have had an amazing 10-year run. They have brought joy to thousands in the audience and through their charitable contributions to military families. Proceeds from ticket sales, donations and raffles are distributed to families of veterans and active-duty military. To date, they have raised more than $40,000 to help meet the needs of America’s heroes.

In addition to assisting military families, Sing for America via their model of “color-blind” casting is actively working toward unifying people from all ethnicities and racial makeup. Roles are selected on the basis of talent, not by color of skin.

What’s next for the Gilbert Family and Sing for America? They are hoping 2016 will bless them with a permanent base of operations. Performances and rehearsals to date have been held in various locations around the Lehigh Valley including Scottish Rite Cathedral, Allentown, and Zoellner Arts Center, Bethlehem.

The Gilbert Family members truly Sing for America through performance and by example. This 10-year celebration is their way of giving thanks to cast members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have helped them along the way.

“A Little Princess,” Sing For America, Inc., 10 a.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 30; 7:30 p.m. Jan. 1; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2; 2 p.m. Jan. 3, Charles A. Brown Ice House, 57 River St., Sand Island, Bethlehem. Tickets: SingforAmerica.com, 610-417-2189