How famous is Joe Piscopo? He's a certainly star in his native New Jersey, where he's considering a run for governor. And he still draws crowds with his Frank Sinatra tribute. But to the costars of his latest project, he's not that famous at all.

"I didn't know he existed till this show," said Crystal Swain, one of the young stars of "New Heights Live!". The benefit at The Music Hall on Thursday, March 24 is the second annual fundraiser for Luke's Ladder: Reaching for New Heights. Proceeds from the show will go to New Heights-Adventures for Teens, an afterschool program for kids ages 12-18.

The show is billed as an evening of music and comedy. The New Heights kids will perform in a series of skits parodying famous commercials as well as poking fun at "Joe Whiner," one of Piscopo's characters on Saturday Night Live, circa 1980-85. Musical guests for the evening include Carri Coltrane and the Peeps, Sharon Jones, Mac Tough and the Boston Players.

"New Heights Live!" marks Piscopo's second appearance in the Seacoast region. He performed his Sinatra routine at last year's benefit concert for Luke's Ladder. The foundation was established in 2004 to honor Luke Luacaw, a Seacoast resident who owned a business providing security for celebrities and executives. Luacaw died suddenly in 2003 and his wife, Gayle, established Luke's Ladder to help out Seacoast teens participating in New Heights.

"(Luke) really loved children," Luacaw said. The money from Luke's Ladder will help pay for extracurricular programs and other activities at New Heights.

"That's what this money is for, so truly no child gets left behind," she said.

Luke and Piscopo met at a fundraiser in Florida, and the two formed a friendship, Luacaw said. When Luke passed away, Luacaw called Piscopo and told him about her idea for Luke's Ladder and the benefit show.

"He said yes before the words were out of my mouth. He was so gracious," she said.

Piscopo is no stranger to charity work; in fact, his efforts on behalf of non-profit organizations have earned him the nickname "Joey Benefit." In New Jersey, he started the Positive Impact Foundation, which works to create positive media for at-risk youth.

"I was a troubled kid. Got into what might seem minor trouble now. You know, fights, et cetera," Piscopo said in an e-mail. "I see myself in the kids I met today...so it is my privilege to reach out to these kids. They are very special and inspirational to kids everywhere."

Run Joe Run 2005, a New Jersey grassroots campaign to get Piscopo in the race for governor, is hoping to parlay Piscopo's celebrity status and charity work into political power. Doug Friedline, who managed former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura's campaign, is leading the effort. Piscopo said he'll decide in a couple weeks whether he'll run.

"People here in Jersey are fed up with politics as usual and want me to go. It's very flattering, but I've got the little kids and don't know how I would have the time," he said. "If I can sway policy and highlight all the good things, and support needed, by kids in Camden and Newark, New Jersey, it would be worth it!"

Are the kids at New Heights nervous about performing in front of a huge crowd with Piscopo? Not really.

"I've done many performances, so I'm ready," said Natalie Hazard. An acting veteran who's been performing since first grade, Hazard is looking forward to the show.

"I think this performance is something we'll all really enjoy, and it's going to be one of the most memorable nights of our life," she said.

"New Heights Live!" will be at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m. Tickets are $50, $35 and $20 for seniors and students and can be purchased at the box office or online at www.themusichall.org.