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Broadway Show To Help Hospice

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 22, 2009

Songs from "Mamma Mia!," "Cats," "Dreamgirls," "Hairspray" and other Broadway hits will ring through the halls of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School this month, raising money for Hernando-Pasco Hospice.

Forty students from area schools will stage "On Broadway" Friday and Saturday at the high school's Eleanor Dempsey Performing Arts Center.

For Broadway veteran Leggio, who runs John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts in Spring Hill, raising money for hospice is a personal mater.

"When his aunt, who was like a second mother to him, passed away, hospice was there to help," said Dan Johnson, the office manager at Leggio's studio. "He wanted to find some way to help them in return."

The benefit Leggio hosted for hospice last year brought in $9,200.

This year, Leggio put together a two-hour song and dance show highlighting classic Broadway hits, all with an upbeat theme.

"We have a lot of numbers people are going to know," Johnson said. "We want this to be an uplifting, exciting show."

As students perform numbers from "Chicago," "The Lion King," "Wicked" and "Legally Blonde," some will be working for a cause that holds personal meaning for them.
Leggio dancer Carissa Midkiff from New Port Richey is returning for her second year as a performer in the hospice benefit show. This year's show really hits home for her. Her late grandmother, Carmella Fiorillo, spent her last days as a patient of Hernando-Pasco Hospice.

"They genuinely cared about my grandma," said Carissa, 17, a senior at River Ridge High School. "They made sure she had everything she needed and made our whole family feel comfortable and welcome.

"Hospice was so amazing. I wanted to do something to give back."

Money raised from the show will support hospice programs and services, including medical and bereavement services, said Janet Ware, director of development for hospice.

"We have an interdisciplinary team that works with patients and families to provide all the necessary services a patient might need," even beyond what Medicare and Medicaid might provide.

P.J. Digaetano, a dancer from Spring Hill, also is a strong supporter of Hernando-Pasco Hospice.

"I've had a few people in my life hospice has helped, and I'm very happy to help support them," said P.J., 10, who will sing a solo in the show. "When I grow old and die, I want people like them there to support me."

The event will also include a Chinese auction, including items such as restaurant and salon gift certificates, Richey Suncoast Theater tickets, gift baskets and a free month of classes at Leggio's studios.

IF YOU GO

WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28

WHERE: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Spring Hill

TICKETS: $15. Order by calling (352) 683-8395

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