By Naomi Charania
Staff Writer
On Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Small Theater, the Mira Costa Drama/Tech Department hosted its annual AIDS Benefit show to raise funds to donate to support foundations fighting AIDS.
The night consisted of singing and drama performances by several Costa students both as solos and in groups. There were two acts, with a total of 12 performances each. Each song and act performed was created by either victims of AIDS or active supporters of the cause.
“We had a lot of people come out and sing songs by artists who were either personally afflicted with AIDS or who have provided support to those with AIDS,” said senior Vice
President of the Drama/Tech Department Christopher Halkias. “All of our pre-show/intermission music was also written and produced by individuals afflicted with AIDS.”
The proceeds of the AIDS Benefit go directly to organizations such as Broadway Cares and Equity Fights AIDS, which provide accessible healthcare and resources to people around the world. Tickets were $5 at the door.
“My personal favorite part of the benefit was witnessing such a large audience come out to see the show and support this important cause,” said Halkias. “At the end of the night, we raised over $1,300 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.”
Senior Natalie Ramirez sang a solo called “Last Midnight” and duet called “Space Between” in an act with junior Sam Probst. Other performances throughout act one included a skit from “The Odd Couple” by Aaron Henschel and Luke Fraunces, and the song “Skyfall” sung by Emily Hucul.
“I’ve always been connected to the song ‘Last
Midnight’ from ‘Into The Woods’ because of the different emotions you go through while listening to it,” said Ramirez. “I wanted to make my final AIDS benefit special and to perform that song with the training I got from Mira Costa Drama was the best way to show it.”
Senior Natalie Cooper performed both acts. In the first act, she performed the solo “Pure as the Driven Snow,” and in the second act, she performed in a group scene entitled “So Long, Farewell,” which was performed with five other members of Mira Costa Drama.
“I chose my solo a few weeks ago and practiced before auditions,” said Cooper. “My friends and I decided to do the number “So Long, Farewell” from “The Sound of Music” because it’s super cute and sentimental for our final AIDS Benefit.”
Other performances in Act Two included “Killing Me Softly” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” The Benefit show ended with the scene “So Long, Farewell” from the Sound of Music.
“It’s important for Mira Costa to hold these types of events because it raises awareness about [AIDS],” said senior audience member Hailey Tucker. “It provides an opportunity for the community to donate to and support these organizations.”
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