GOFFSTOWN - With the theme of its fall production called "A Night of Arts in NYC," it seemed only natural for Goffstown High School Performing Arts students to turn over show proceeds to help those hardest hit by last week's Hurricane Sandy.

According to music teacher Josh Desrochers, the theme had already pulled together a new structure for collaboration of two major programs - music and theater, which had been treated as two separate entities at the school.

"Anything can happen in New York City," Desrochers said, and that thinking gave those producing the show a way to successfully blend music, dance, drama and art.

But in the final stages of planning, the city that never sleeps was nearly crippled by the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, and Desrochers said it was his wife who suggested the fundraising component.

"She said, how can you not do it?" Desrochers said.

All proceeds from this weekend's shows will be donated to the American Red Cross for its hurricane response efforts.

"I thought patrons would want to make sure that the money was going to where it's needed," Desrochers said, "and they were hit harder than we were."

Desrochers describes the show as more of a revue, a "grab bag" of entertainment with skits and poetry, dance, musical numbers and a student art show in the front lobby.

"We've never done a show like this before," Desrochers said.

Assistant Principal Kim McCann said that for the first time, the format will showcase the talents of dance students.

"It's really an opportunity to showcase all four branches of performing arts at Goffstown High School," McCann said. "But it's the first time we've had a real, formalized dance ensemble."

McCann said after seeing the damage incurred in New York City by last week's storm, donating the proceeds seemed like the right thing to do.

"It seemed to make sense for us to do our little bit to help," she said.

Desrocher said there are minimal production costs for the show, which allow more money to be donated.

McCann said the array of talent in the show is impressive.

"The quality of work that comes out of our art department, in all areas, it really is amazing," she said.

Shows will be held at the Hieber Theater on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.

kremillard@newstote.com