Local performers are lending their talents to “Cabaret for a Cause, an Entertaining Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis,” which will be held in Fox Chapel later this month.

At Donna’s School of Dance in Murrysville, Patrick Bovo rehearsed with the show’s musical director, Alicia Giove, and the other members of the Cabaret cast—Lindsay Pingor, George Heigel, Alex McDaniel and Kelsey Purcell—McDaniel and Purcell are Plum residents.  

Bovo is a rising star. As a Penn Hills High School student, he was in every musical. He was nominated for the Gene Kelly Best Actor Award two years running—one for his interpretation of Jimmy in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and the other for his performance as J. Pierrepont Finch in “How to Succeed…”

Currently, Bovo attends Point Park College where he has already been cast in a number of shows, including a reinterpretation of Snow White, a new work entitled,“Another World,” and a student produced show, “Edges: A Song Cycle.”

When discussing Cabaret for a Cause, Bovo said, “I am already blown away by their level of talent of everyone involved in the show.”

The show’s organizer, Joe D. Nickel, co-founder and Artistic Director for MadHouse Productions, an entertainment group consisting of dancers, singers, musicians, and specialty performers, spoke highly of his talented cast.

Nickel said, “I choreographed the two shows at Penn Hills High School that Pat Bovo had starred in. I quickly became a fan of his talents and I am thrilled he could participate in this project.”

Bovo worked with the musical director, Giove before.

“I have worked with her on every show I did in high school," he said. "It's refreshing to work with a familiar face in anything you do, so I'm glad that we get to work together on a project outside of high school.”

Giove commented, “I met Patrick as a freshman in high school when he came for auditions at our musical. He was so talented, even then. It’s been so wonderful to see a student like him grow and mature into an incredibly talented musician and actor.”

The teacher earned both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees for Music Education at Duquesne University. She has studied piano and teaches elementary orchestra for the Penn Hills School District. 

She also is the producer, orchestra director, and accompanist for the high school’s annual spring musicals. Although trained in classical music, Giove has developed a love for musical theater.

“Being a teacher in Penn Hills is the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had," she said. "The talent that resides in this community is remarkable.  The support we have from parents and community members is unparalleled. Music, teaching, volunteering…this is what my Penn Hills community is really all about.

“I’m so proud to be part of this cabaret. I’m also really glad to be helping the Cystic Fibrosis cause any way I can.”

About the show

Pre-sale tickets are available at Showclix.com  by searching “Cabaret for a Cause.” Tickets will be $20 online and available for $30 at the door. In addition to listening to a fantastic line up of performers, complimentary hors d'oeuvre will be served.

“Cabaret for a Cause, an Entertaining Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis” on Thursday, July 26, will take place at the Baja Bar and Grill at Fox Chapel Yacht Club, 1366 Old Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m.

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