The Macungie Minstrelaires will present “Rhythm of the Rails” at Lower Macungie Middle School 8 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31. Matinees are 2 p.m. Oct. 24 and 31.

The group was organized in 1957 to perform a minstrel show for the Macungie Centennial. The group consisted of Macungie residents and the show was held in the Macungie Park auditorium. The decision was made to present another minstrel show in 1958 which is when the group officially organized and took the name “The Macungie Minstrelaires.”

The Macungie Minstrelaires continued to produce minstrel shows in the 1960s until notice was received from the government that blackface, a form of theatrical makeup, was no longer permitted. The group continued to present yearly shows with various themes including Christmas, tributes to composers, patriotic, broadway, television and movies. The group eventually outgrew the Macungie Park auditorium and moved to the Howard Eyer Middle School auditorium in Macungie.

In 2006, the Minstrelaires moved to their new home at Lower Macungie Middle School and continue to perform their annual productions at this location.

The Macungie Minstrelaires include men and women from all walks of life and professions residing in Lehigh, Berks and Northampton counties.

The annual musical production continues to be a theme-based show, held the last weekend in October and first weekend in November, for a total of four evening performances.

Anyone 16 years of age and older is welcome to join the chorus. The Minstrelaires kids’ chorus is open for anyone under 16 who may be interested in participating in the shows.

The non-profit group’s main goal is to present a professional, annual musical production for the enjoyment of the audience. A portion of show proceeds are donated to local organizations, families and individuals in need. The group’s funding is solely from the annual show ticket sales and donations received for additional smaller-scale show requests during the year.

A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit the Ben Yorgey Foundation.

For tickets and information, order online at www.macungie-minstrelaires.org or call 610-770-6845.