Indianapolis - Central Indiana performing artists will join forces on at least three original acts, including a closing act inspired by Elton John's "Circle of Life," on April 23 at at 7:30 p.m. at Clowes Memorial Hall for Spotlight 2007: One Night, One Stage, One Reason.

"The performing arts community is excited to weave together seven or eight acts to create a show that celebrates the circle of life," said Rob MacPherson, co-artistic director for the Indiana AIDS Fund benefit. "Not only is this annual event our community's chance to raise money for the fight against HIV/AIDS, it is the arts community's opportunity to honor the lives of those we love and those we've lost."

According to MacPherson, local pianist and arranger Gary Walters will create and direct a powerful finale that incorporates "Circle of Life" and another Elton John song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," from Disney's The Lion King.

Spotlight 2007 also will feature collaborative works from Indiana Repertory Theatre and Phoenix Theater and the Easter Hymn from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, performed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Indianapolis Opera.

"This spectacular operatic highlight brings our three organizations together to accomplish something bigger than any of us could do alone," said Simon Crookall, CEO & president of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

According to the Indiana State Department of Health Web site, as of June 2006 more than 3,945 people were infected by HIV and 7,989 were living with AIDS across all 92 Indiana counties. Nearly half of those with HIV/AIDS live in Marion County. Approximately 21 percent and 13 percent of those infected with HIV and AIDS respectively are women.

All proceeds from Spotlight 2007 will be used by the Indiana AIDS Fund to support the agencies and programs that educate and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and serve those living with the disease. Spotlight 2007 has a fundraising goal of $500,000.

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