Show celebrates cultures

Up With People returns to Las Vegas Valley for first time in eight years

SPECIAL TO VIEWThe cast of Up With People will perform Friday at the Henderson Pavilion. The show, which features young adults from across the globe, aims to bridge cultural differences through music. Advertisement

Promoting large-scale cultural diversity isn't easy.

Just ask the folks from Up with People, a global education program for young adults that aims to breach the cultural divide with music.

"We perform a Broadway-style show in 19 countries around the world over a series of months," community relations specialist Danielle Hastings said. "With 68 cast members from around the world, we perform and work together in an effort to prove that our (cultural) differences are not so big as they might seem at times. It's a lot of work but well worth it."

The show, which features singing and dance routines performed by students ranging in age from 18 to 29, will come to the Henderson Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

"We want to portray that image of a stronger, more unified global environment," Hastings said. "The show is all about music and culture. We will have songs and routines from hip-hop to salsa to swing, and our performers are very talented. The key component of our performance is to demonstrate that every person has value, no matter how different."

According to Hastings, one of the more touching moments of the production occurs when Jessica, a cast member from Arizona, takes the stage.

"When I first heard Jessica sing, I was overwhelmed by her talent," Hastings said. "She has been given such a gift, and it literally gives me chills every time I hear that voice."

Jessica is blind.

"She is a rock star and a shining example," Hastings said.

Up with People has not performed in Las Vegas in almost eight years, and the group's efforts while in town will be twofold.

"We chose to come to the city on this tour because we knew that we could do some good," Hastings said. "Not just with the show, but with our community service work."

During their weeklong stay, cast members will visit two Clark County middle schools to introduce a program created in the wake of American school violence and aimed at giving kids the tools needed to overcome intolerance.

"The 'Stand for Peace' program has a unique message for kids who sometimes feel they have few options," Hastings said. "We give them the tools to stand together."

The group also will stop by local hospitals to visit with children who are fighting cancer.

"We want to brighten their day," Swedish intern Johan Nilsson said. "There's nothing that I would rather be doing. We're making a difference here."

Proceeds from the show will benefit the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults. For information, call (724) 799-5157.