The ninth annual Illusions of the Stars drag show is appearing this weekend in Kantner Hall's Baker Theater. The show is a fundraiser for the Athens AIDS Task Force.

The show features some of the most famous female impersonators around the Tri-State area.

"You're going to see a little bit of Las Vegas in Ohio," said Roger Wells. Wells organized the performers and some funding from advertisers.

Wells will appear in the show as Lucille Ball, Shania Twain, Marilyn Monroe, and Laurie Morgan.

The money earned from the show stays in Athens to help the local AIDS Task Force, Wells said.

Last year the money earned

was between $3,500 and $4,000, Wells said.

Erin Rutter, Illusions coordinator, said the show has been scaled back to one night from two last year.

Although the show is smaller this year, Rutter hopes it will earn money for the Task Force.

Some of the performers in this year's show will be returning from previous shows. This year marks Al Cossin's eighth performance in Illusions.

"We brought it to Athens from Parkersburg, and it was a pretty big success," Cossin said.

Cossin will be portraying Dolly Parton, Anne Margaret and Stevie Nicks. He'll sing "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," for his number as Dolly Parton.

There are about 14 acts in the show, Cossin said.

"There's a lot of work that goes into doing these performances, and I hope people appreciate it," he said.

The performers are volunteering their time, Cossin said. This is his first year performing as Anne Margaret, and he is currently putting the finishing touches on his costume.

"I think it's going to be really fun," said Emily Stage, a junior who is volunteering at the show. Stage will usher and help run the raffle.

The raffle prizes will include gift certificates and baskets from local businesses.

"I think that the show is a really great idea," said senior Kate Folmar. "I haven't been yet, but I'd really like to see it."

Al Cossin said he isn't nervous about his performance in the show.

"I just hope it's a success," Cossin said. "I think it's for a good cause."

Tickets for Illusions are available at the Kantner Hall Box Office. The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday.