TOWAMENCIN- On Friday evening, the North Penn Thespian troupe held their 18th annual Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) show, renamed a couple years ago to Knight of the Arts. The night displayed many acts from previews of plays and monologues to dynamic dances. The night started off with an art gala in the main lobby, visitors were serenaded by musical performances by students while artwork was shown off, donations were made, and a silent auction was held.

“This has been the best day at North Penn so far. I finally felt like I was apart of something tonight,” said sophomore Bridget Gallagher.

“I think that not a lot of time and effort goes into helping fight AIDS because there are other horrible problems with the world, but I’m glad that tonight, students, thespians, and the audience could all connect as one to fight a cause,” shared Gallagher.

A majority of the night was spent appreciating the art of music and theater. Being a big event in the world of arts at North Penn, the Middle school thespians even came to provide intriguing previews of their school plays, singing and dancing their hearts out.

One of the many talents that filled the high school was sophomore Sammi Stec, who belted out “Girl in 14G” and had an overwhelming response.

“ I am always nervous to perform especially because it was such a challenging song and a big event,” Stec says.

“I am so happy that it was well received, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to perform on the same stage as so many other talented students,” shared an excited Stec.

The troupe officers and cabinet did a dance to the well-known song “We’re All In This Together,” the dance team gave a performance to a cover of Michael Buble’s “Feeling Good,” and a group from AFJROTC did their Unarmed Team’s presentation.

Following intermission, North Penn’s Indian Cultural Association brought back the crowd’s energy with their dance to a Bollywood Medley. The talent continued through the rest of the night, with visiting students from schools such as Pennridge High School and Pennfield Middle School.

Another highlight of the night was the showing of “Parallel,” a short film produced by Liam Mckee, Dan Wescoe, Tom Schmids and Alo Barrantes.

“Seeing Parallel on that huge screen and hearing the crowd’s reactions to it really gave me a lot of hope for the future,” Said McKee hopefully.

“Careers in Hollywood aren’t easy, but I think that showing this was an indicator of something to be hopeful for,” said McKee.

Before the night ended, the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat sang a song from their musical, which will premiere in the spring. Everyone on stage performed with lots of enthusiasm and gave their biggest smiles.

The highlight of the night, for everyone involved at least, was the very last act-everyone came together and sang “Seasons of Love”.

“My favorite part of the gala, besides seeing everyone show off their talents, is definitely when everyone sings along to “Seasons of Love,” said Aparna Mukerji, president of Thespian troupe 5464.

“It’s so lovely having everyone come together to celebrate our work,” said Mukerji.

The troupe successfully raised a lot of money for this event, totaling close to their goal of $80,000 over the years. The performers practiced for about a month beforehand, and their hard work and talent paid off when the audience gave them deafening applause and showed its gratitude by supporting BC/EFA by donating or buying the wristbands and ribbons on sale.

“Personally, I love this event so much. It’s my favorite day of the year, above any holiday you can think of,” shared co-host and coordinator Steven Kendikian with a wide smile.

“I’ve been involved with the arts my whole life, and it’s my one true passion. I love seeing everyone so happy while being with the people I love, and the fact that I got to co-plan it this year was just amazing. There is no discrimination or hate at this event ever, only love and universal acceptance, and that’s all you can ask for to be happy,” Kendikian shared.