Hairspray's Laura Bell Bundy, Mamma Mia!'s Karen Mason, Caroline, or Change's Anika Noni Rose, Aida's Felicia Finley, The Boy From Oz's Isabel Keating and Cabaret's Kate Shindle are all scheduled to perform at "The Red Ball." Directed by Stephen DeAngelis, the starry event will be held at New York's Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street. Show time is 8 PM.

"The Red Ball" requires all women who attend to dress in red ball gowns. In a statement the event's organizer, Suzanne Engo, said, "The red gowns serve as a collective AIDS ribbon. Besides being visually extraordinary, it reminds patrons of the purpose of the event — to raise money for AIDS and AIDS education." Proceeds will benefit African Action on AIDS, FilmAid International, and the Festival's educational programs.

The Sept. 17 concert kicks off the week-long Film Festival at the Hudson Hotel, which will include screenings of 17 films focusing on "the challenges and triumphs of people with AIDS around the world." During the Film Festival's closing night, Sept. 23, Academy Award winner Meryl Streep will present "Angels in America" director Mike Nichols with the Festival's highest honor.

Tickets for "The Red Ball" range from $200-$1,000 and can be purchased by calling (212) 592-1950. Visit www.newyorkaidsfilmfestival for more information.