Stars come out to shine light on AIDS
By Tom Ensign, Blade Television Critic
It doesn’t seem plausible to put “AIDS” and “entertainment” in the same sentence, yet that’s what’s happening in a star-studded television special, In A New Light, to be broadcast 8-10 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
Ever since the death of movie star Rock Hudson, entertainment luminaries have been actively involved in the battle against AIDS and just about everyone who is anyone is getting on the bandwagon for this special. And they come from all fields, including film, television, theater, music, sports, and government.
The special is introduced by Elizabeth Taylor, a close personal friend of Hudson, and hosted by Linda Lavin, Bruce Davidson, and Robert Guillaume.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in this program which mixes information with entertainment. Giving personal insights into the Issue of AIDS are: Carol Burnett, Dustin Hoffman, Shirley MacLaine, Kathy Bates, Arsenio Hall, Anita Baker, Barry Manilow, Gloria Estafan, Clint Black, Olivia Newton-John, Judith Light, Christopher Reeve, Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello, Sandy Duncan, Lesley Ann Warren, Nell Carter, Geraldo, Phil Donahue, Arthur Ashe, Michael York well, the list goes on and on.
The special, still being edited this week, delivers the most up-to-date information regarding AIDS and HIV transmission and specifically addresses the disease’s effect on women, Latinos, African Americans, teenagers, and children.
It isn’t all gloom and doom though. There are musical breaks performed by a host of stars which Includes Anita Baker, Clint Black, Gloria Estefan, Barry Manilow, and Salt ‘n Pepa. There’s even some comedy on tap with comedians Paul Rodriguez and Andrea Martın. The special also has excerpts from Heart Strings, the AIDS musical which features performances by Olivia Newton-John, Nell Carter, Joel Grey, and Patti LuPone.
In other segments, Phil Donahue provides the latest statistics on AIDS as released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC); Dr. Novello talks about the importance of education in curbing the spread of AIDS, and Arthur Ashe tells of his personal experience as a person infected with the virus.
Throughout the broadcast, an 800 number for CDC is shown on the screen to provide viewers with local contacts for information, volunteering, HIV testing sites, and counseling.
According to ABC spokesman Phil Beuth, all net advertising proceeds from the special will be donated to Design Industries Foundation for AIDS which makes grants to AIDS organizations nationwide for education, prevention and support services.
More from the In A New Light TV special.