An event benefiting the AIDS Project for Centre and Clinton County is coming to Heritage Hall tonight.
“MasquerAIDS,” presented by the Penn State Thespians, helps raise money that goes toward funding for education programs, said Nicole Suder, production manager of the show.
The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $3 for students and $4.99 for general admission.
The Penn State Thespians have been putting on the cabaret for the last ten years, Suder (sophomore-advertising) said.
This year’s theme is “The Circle of Life,” Talia Berger, director of the event, said.
The performance involves a combination of singing, dancing and acting, she (sophomore-communications) said.
“MasquerAIDS” is a show filled with a “variety” of music, she said. It is “all over the place” with pop music, Broadway songs, ballads, music from Beyoncé and even the theme song from Disney and Pixar’s “Up,” she said.
“It’s just so entertaining,” Berger said. “Even if you’re not a fan of theater in general it’s just fun to watch.”
Devon Fields, choreographer of the show, said he came up with this year’s theme of “The Circle of Life.”
“It’s basically a cabaret that covers all of life’s milestones from birth to college to mid-life crises to death,” he (sophomore-broadcast journalism) said.
He said that most of the songs and scenes during the performance revolve around life.
The great thing about the theme is that it allows the audience to reminisce, he said.
Jennie Ciborowski, member of the Penn State Thespians and dancer in tonight’s performance, said the show appeals to many different audiences.
“It has scenes that can relate to all demographics of people,” Ciborowski (senior-earth and space sciences secondary education) said. “It’s a chance to see people showcase their talents and it’s for a really good cause.”
Suder said a lot of people are involved with the show because of the cause associated with it.
“The AIDS project has always been tightly connected with theater,” she said.
Suder said it was important for her to be a part of something that helped this type of foundation because in high school she was involved with productions that raised money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
According to its website, the organization is a “nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization” that is tied to the theater community in America.
Suder said the show is not only for a good cause but also deals with moments in life that many people have gone through and can relate to.
She said the show “comes full circle” and ends on a rejoicing note with a birth.
During the performance there is also going to be a silent auction of items donated from downtown businesses, Suder said. The proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to AIDS Project for Centre and Clinton County as well, she said.
