Players of the Stage, kicks off four performances of George Bernard Shaw's original version of "Pygmalion," 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at Living Hope Orthodox Church, 330 Schantz Road, Lower Macungie Township.

The youth theater group, assembled by Beth Barshinger, production manager and founder, and her daughter Anna Barsh-inger Lauffer in 2000, has been rehearsing for its upcoming performances of "Pygmalion," on which the musical, "My Fair Lady" was based.

"Pygmalion," details what happens when a linguist tries to improve a woman's station in life by changing her speech.

Director Sharon Barshinger Gerdes said the theme of "Pygmalion" deals with a man being emotionally abusive to a woman.

"This could not have been a more perfect fit for the charity for which we are raising money," Gerdes said.

She said the lead male character, Higgins, is emotionally abusive to Eliza, the lead female role.

Although the issue is treated in a tongue-in-cheek manner, it could not be any less humorous to the women who are going through these horrifying situations either in their own homes or worse, being bought and sold against their will.

"Pygmalion" is a story about change.

"We live in a society that likes to change people," cast member Josh Lazarus said. "In 'My Fair Lady,' Eliza leaves her lower class world to come to a place where she can learn how to fit into the upper class of society.

"And, she eventually does change but once she changes, she can no longer go back to the place she grew up because she doesn't quite fit in anymore and she will never really fit into the upper class no matter how much she changes. The truth is people don't change. Do they?"

Emily Grumbine, who plays Mrs. Higgins from Cast 1, was asked why people should see "Pygmalion."

"There isn't enough classical theater anymore," Grumbine said. "No one performs Shakespeare or any other of the greats. That is what we at 'POTS' are doing, and why everyone should come and see the show."

What makes this performance different than many others is the majority of the cast and crew are the alumni from the Players of the Stage theater group.

Many of them, now in their 20s have been members since age 5.

The cast which consists of 16 actors, alternate every other performance, and a behind-the -scenes crew, which is second to none.

"In lieu of a ticket price, a donation will be taken," Barshinger said. "This year's goal is to raise $7,000, all of which will go to the Truth for Women Center, an organization that helps women in crisis."

Gerdes, who has directed nine plays and performed in more shows than she can count on two hands, also volunteers for the women's center.

She said all of the money raised from "Pygmalion" is going toward the Truth for Women Center's Truth Home, a safe house for rescued sex trafficking victims.

Players of the Stage has raised more than $75,000 for charities over the last seven seasons.

"The way we raise money, aside from donations during the show, is through ads purchased by local businesses and individuals in our playbook," Gerdes explained.

Players of the Stage alumni will be performing "Pygmalion" at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Living Hope Orthodox Church, 330 Schantz Road, Lower Macungie Township.

The show is recommended for children ages 12 and older.

For tickets, email potstickets@ gmail.com.