FRANKLIN TWP. — The Red Barn Players will present an original and virtual cabaret show.

“A Ghostlight Cabaret” debuts at 8 p.m. on Aug. 19 on the Franklin Township-based theater group’s website RedBarnPlayers.com. The show will remain online indefinitely.

Because of COVID-19, the Red Barn Players canceled their entire 2020 season. Looking for opportunities to perform, Toni Schlemmer, director and long-time member, came up with the idea of recording a ‘virtual’ cabaret.

The show will raise money for the organization, which despite axing its season still must pay taxes, insurance, mortgage and other expenses totaling over $40,000.

Viewing is free, though people may make a donation via a PayPal link that will be shown on the screen.

Donations to the Red Barn Players can be made by check (Payable to: Red Barn Players, PO Box 628, Ellwood City, or PayPal at www.RedBarnPlayers.com).

“A Ghostlight Cabaret” takes its name from the single bulb left burning whenever a theater is dark. Theater superstition is that its function is to light the way for the ghosts that are said to inhabit virtually every theater, keeping them contented. If nothing else, that light ensures no one takes an accidental tumble off the stage.

Those attending the online “Opening Night” event will be entered into a drawing for season tickets to the 2021 season at Red Barn.

Performing in the “Ghostlight Cabaret” are Andrea Cary and D. Jacob Craig of Ambridge; Toni Schlemmer, Brad Townsend and Samantha Beecham, of Pittsburgh; Sarah Martz of East Liverpool; Robert Hazen of New Castle; Jessica Patterson and Melissa Patterson of Monaca; Tom Bickert, Arie Danko, Machaela Danko, DeeDee Evans-Boots, E. Tucker Meutzel and Nancy Thomas, of Ellwood City; and David Cary, Shelly Cary, Zach Malinak and Kristina Streno of Freedom.