Saturday event seeks to support the American Cancer Society

A cabaret benefit is set for Saturday with funds going toward the American Cancer Society.

The Real Men Wear Pink Benefit Cabaret will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at Capital City Productions, 719 Wicker Lane. The event is presented by Curtis Sudduth and CCP. Sudduth has previously been cast in productions at CCP and Scene One Theatre, and spent much of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, trying to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

On the Facebook fundraiser page, Sudduth said breast cancer affects everyone, regardless of gender.

"That's why I'm stepping up to fight breast cancer with all I have," Sudduth wrote. "Since I'm in a position to make a difference within my community, I believe I have an obligation to do so."

Sudduth said he was approached by a friend about taking part in this year's Real Men Wear Pink campaign and began trying to think of something to do that would be different from what other community members were doing. The cabaret benefit, he said, would allow him to do just that and at the same time "showcase the talent that I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with."

Anyone who has seen Sudduth perform in local musicals, as he did in the summer of 2019 at the CCP presentation of "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella," where he played Lord Pinkleton, knows the talent he's referring to. His vocal talent often takes front and center stage when cast.

According to his Facebook fundraiser, more than $1,000 has been collected through his efforts. The benefit was first scheduled for the end of October, but was postponed to this weekend.

The cabaret event will feature Sudduth and some friends, including Karin Schatte, Margaret Graham, Emma Tracy and Brent Echols, singing songs "full of hope, love and inspiration."

"It's just a night of hope and joy and love," Sudduth said, noting most of the music will be from musical theater and all of it will be uplifting.

Tickets to the event are available for a $25 donation to the American Cancer Society and can be purchased at the door. Donations will also be encouraged throughout the evening. Those wanting to attend may also bring their own drinks, including alcoholic beverages, and even snacks, though Sudduth noted the performance is only expected to last about an hour so snacks may not be needed.

There will be temperature checks upon arrival, and CCP has a mask requirement in place. Seating will be arranged in a socially distant manner.

Sudduth said he also hopes to provide some type of streaming or Facebook video of the performance for those who donated to the cause but are not comfortable attending the public gathering.

"I'm thankful for the support of the community," Sudduth said, adding he hopes to make the benefit an annual event.