“Lights. Camera. Cure.” is a special theatrical event that will be held Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6 pm) at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, MI. This unique musical fundraiser will feature classic film hits as sung by local performers.
Producer/director Denise Staffeld of Lake Michigan Credit Union observes, “Last year, we had a vision to do a Cancer Society fundraiser that celebrated the healing power of Broadway. I had no idea – though I had faith – that it would be such a runaway success. We sold out the house, and raised over $15,000. We also had an amazing time along the way, so how could we NOT do this again?”
Music direction is by Kevin Robert Ryan, Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Thomas a'Becket Catholic Church. Ryan adds, “I love working with this cast, who are so clever and talented. Film music speaks to all of us. It reminds you of a happy time or special memory. We’ve got Disney hits, classic musical numbers, The Wizard of Oz, on through The Greatest Showman.” Jeff Mongrain, Sonny Teodoro, and Joel Walter round out the orchestra.
Roy Sexton, director of marketing for the Clark Hill law firm, will emcee the evening as well as perform. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Denise is a long-time friend and such a pillar of our community. I don’t know how she does all that she does, but I’m honored to be a part of this. And somehow she’s convinced me to sing a Whitney Houston solo from The Bodyguard. This could get really interesting,” notes Sexton.
The cast is comprised of semi-professional & professional talent from throughout Southeast Michigan’s theatre community: Shirley Auty, Denise Staffeld, Aimee Chapman, Christina Bair, Cathy Golden, Cathy McDonald, Caitlin Chodos, Noel Bittinger, Julzie Gravel, Bethany Basanese, Keri Mueller, Janine Creedon, Tracey Bowen, Diane Dimauro, Roy Sexton, Jeff Steinhauer, AJ Kosmalski, Bruce Hardcastle, Tim Chanko, Kurt Bowen, Tracy Neil, Carl Nielsen, David Dilsizian, and Paul Bromnick.
Kelvin Elvidge will serve as sound designer/engineer. Lia DeBiasi is the production’s stage manager, and Daniel Pocock will assistant stage manage. There will be special appearances by Tom Cassidy and Canton Township Supervisor Pat Williams, opening remarks by Kim Scartelli, and event support by Megan Schaper (American Cancer Society) and Tammy Brown and Marion Rozum (Chicks 4 Charity).
Before the performance, there will be a red carpet reception, with silent auction and desserts. Just like the Oscars, there will be a pre-show, hosted by Canton Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Paden and Stephanie Tierney. Paden laughs, “We get to channel Ryan Seacrest and Joan Rivers. We are going to broadcast via Facebook live, interviewing attendees as they arrive and sharing real time updates on our fundraising. I’m thrilled to be part of this and to see us all take this event to the next level.”
American Cancer Society Community Development Manager Megan Schaper notes, “The Cabaret is a great representation of the flexibility we have in partnerships. We want to attach cancer how our communities want to attack it. So ideas like musicals and other fun things allow us the chance to connect with different groups in the community and spread out our efforts year round.” Schaper supports Canton, Plymouth, Westland, Wayne, Ypsilanti, Livonia and Redford. All proceeds for this event benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Canton-Plymouth Event.
Tickets are available for $25 by visiting www.cantonvillagetheater.org or by calling 734/394-5300. The event includes the performance, dessert reception, coffee bar, a silent auction and a cash bar. This event is being offered in partnership with the Women's Life Society, Chapter 827, Chicks for Charity and The American Cancer Society. View the Canton Chamber of Commerce’s recent “Business Spotlight” video feature on “Life is a Cabaret” here.
Tickets can also be purchased at The Village Theater Box Office one hour prior to show time. All ages must have a ticket. No refunds or exchanges.