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  Institute of the American Musical Jerome Kern, whose work will be featured at the S.T.A.G.E. benefit, composes on the piano as Oscar Hammerstein watches.

By Chris Young

Daily Bruin Contributor

The Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event was started in 1984 to address the problem of a serious disease that society and science weren’t sure how to combat: AIDS.

The oldest annual AIDS benefit in the world, S.T.A.G.E. presents a three-day production this weekend at Cal State University of Los Angeles, with all proceeds going to charity.

Every S.T.A.G.E. benefit features the work of a different musical composer. This year, S.T.A.G.E. musical director David Galligan chose the music of Jerome Kern.

“Jerome Kern: Life Upon the Wicked S.T.A.G.E.,” will benefit the Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic and other HIV/AIDS services at the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center and The Dental Clinic of AIDS Project L.A.

“It’s a wonderful fundraiser and an incredible cast of people,” actor and performer Lea Thompson (“Carolyn in the City”) said in a phone interview from her L.A. home. “It’s a great opportunity to sample a lot of talent.”

The show is composed of a series of songs, each performed by a different actor.

“Singing is a really interesting experience because, in the space of three minutes, a good song creates a feeling, mood, emotions and a story,” Thompson said.

Kern, one of the most renowned American songwriters, wrote Broadway shows including “Showboat” and “Music in the Air,” and scored film music for films such as “Swingtime.” The benefit’s title, “Life On the Wicked S.T.A.G.E.” is taken from one of Kern’s “Showboat” songs.

One of the unique aspects of the S.T.A.G.E. benefit is the wide range of talent in the cast. In addition to several Emmy winners, Tony winners and Oscar winners, some of the biggest names in musical theater will be performing Galligan said.

S.T.A.G.E. also has the distinction of being a rallying point for the theater community.

Broadway actor Marsha Kramer said that one reason she loves doing the S.T.A.G.E. benefit is because it gives here the chance to meet with fellow performers who are uniting for the AIDS cause.

“There is a truly excellent rapport between cast members – you feel a kinship with the other people,” Kramer said. “It’s sharing the theatrical musical experience, but also rallying for the AIDS cause.”

Although the show’s purpose is to benefit AIDS research and projects, Thompson said it is about celebration and fundraising, not preaching and lecturing.

Galligan feels that in today’s society people are apathetic towards AIDS and aren’t as concerned about it as they were in the past.

“AIDS awareness is no longer the flavor of the month. For years people were doing AIDS benefits; people were weeping and wailing because of how sad it was. I think because of the longevity of not finding a cure for the disease, people aren’t as concerned with it,” he said.

In addition to trying to increase public awareness of AIDS, the creators of S.T.A.G.E. have to overcome the difficulties of putting on the show every year. Because all the performers donate their time and are not paid, some drop out due to financial circumstances.

Thompson said, regardless of the cause, it is very expensive and difficult to mount a musical production in the first place and it is not easy to write great musicals.

Rehearsing the show creates problems as well, the actors do not receive much practice time before the curtain rises.

“Doing a benefit like this is always nerve-wracking; no one ever feels they get as much rehearsal time as they’d like,” Kramer said.

Audiences can pick up on the excitement of the performers’ spontaneity, however, and respond to it. The communication between the audience and the actors onstage is palpable.

“When you’re a stage performer and you get that response from the audience – when it soars, it’s incredible; it’s like you’re floating,” Kramer said.

BENEFIT: “Jerome Kern: Life Upon the Wicked S.T.A.G.E.” plays at the Luckman Theatre, 5151 State University Dr., L.A. Friday, March 2 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. Ticket prices range from $30 to $200, with student tickets for $15 on Saturday and Sunday. Call (323) 656-9069 for tickets or go to www.stagela.com for information.