TOWAMENCIN: On Friday, February 24, the North Penn High School Thespian Troupe #5464 hosted its 13^th Annual Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids Gala. Featuring student performances that brought the spirit of Broadway to the audience and a silent auction and flea market that offered authentic Broadway memorabilia, the event set a goal of $4,000 towards BC/EFA that will ultimately serve the victims of and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other health or social epidemics.

In May 1992, Equity Fights Aids and Broadway Cares joined forces to become Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids, a non-profit organization that has raised a total of $123,455,552 in grants to date, with North Penn High School contributing over $53,000 to that total.

Thirteen years ago, North Penn High School Thespian Ryan Williams decided that his graduation project should do more than just grant him the right to receive a diploma in Crawford Stadium. Instead, he set his sights on holding a variety show sponsored by the Thespian Troupe #5464 to raise awareness of and funds for BC/EFA. Since then, thanks to the efforts of Cynthia L. Louden, the members of Troupe #5464, and the current Associate Director of Educational Outreach for BC/EFA, Joe Norton, Thespian Troupes across the nation have joined in Williams’ cause and since raised almost $1,000,000 towards BC/EFA, $85,655 of which comes from Pennsylvania’s high school Thespians.

As audience members filtered into the auditorium and received a red ribbon, they passed a quilt made in honor of those who have fell victim to HIV/AIDs by the families of the deceased. The quilt is a tradition that began on the Washington Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. and has over time become too large for the wall to contain, a testament to the devastating effects of the disease.

“Broadway Cares encourages behaviors to prevent disease and ways to fight it. [The BC/EFA Gala] is a chance to show that the night is not just about getting up and performing, but about raising awareness and helping people, bringing people together under the Arts,” said Mrs. Andrea Roney, NPHS Theatre and Thespian Director.

The evening’s entertainment included a rendition of “Sir Duke” by the North Penn High School Ambassadors, sneak previews of the Spring Show, The Music Man, solo and duet performances of Broadway tunes, scenes, and dances, and Shakespeare Monologues recited by various Thespian students.

Throughout the event, BC/EFA Gala Coordinators and Producers Valeri Smith and Dara Wittman, as well as other officer and cabinet members of Troupe #5464 reminded the audience of the higher purpose of the event, to raise funds for and awareness of HIV/AIDS. Expressions of gratitude for the North Penn High School Theatre program from students in segments called “What Theatre Means to Me,” also recalled the audience to the importance of the arts and the sense of community that theatre has brought the students, making this event possible each year.

“It’s a great event, and it’s taken a really long time to get here. A lot of hard work has gone into from all the Thespians. It’s just a chance for all of us to get together for a cause that’s amazing,” said BC/EFA Gala Coordinator and Producer Valeri Smith.

As per tradition, the Thespian Troupe ended the Gala with the song “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent, encouraging audience members to join in song, continuing the sentiment of love that encompassed the evening’s purpose.  

Along with the annual Gala, the Thespian Troupe participates in other charitable activities such as the Philadelphia AIDS Walk, the NPHS Giving Tree, and Middle School Thespian Workshops.

As for future events, on March 3 the NPHS Theatre Team Shakespeare will attend the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival High School Shakespeare Competition. From April 26 to the 28, with a Gold Card Matinee on April 25, the NPHS Theatre will present its Spring Musical, The Music Man.  Tickets can be purchased through www.npenn.org.

In combination with the funds raised from the 2011 Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference hosted by North Penn High School, the grand total raised this year by the Thespian Troupe #5464 for BC/EFA was announced to be $3,701. To find out more information about BC/EFA or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.broadwaycares.org.