Molly Oldham to give back to families fighting cancer with holiday concert at Akron Civic

Kerry Clawson, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
Molly Oldham, 21, had a third neurosurgery in October, which removed what turned out to be a radiation-induced, noncancerous tumor.
Molly Oldham, 21, had a third neurosurgery in October, which removed what turned out to be a radiation-induced, noncancerous tumor.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated with the rescheduled date for Molly Oldham's benefit, Monday, Dec. 26.

Cancer warrior Molly Oldham lost some of her peripheral vision as a result of her third neurosurgery in October, but she still has her voice.

Now, home from her musical theater studies at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, she's spearheading a benefit show, "Home for the Holidays: A Broadway CAN-cert," at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Akron Civic Theatre. She and several of her hometown friends will perform for the event, presented by The Molly Impact (TMI), Stewart's Caring Place and the Millennial Theatre Project, to benefit Stewart's Caring Place and TMI.

The holiday fundraiser comes five months after Oldham, of Bath Township, hosted a Gratitude Gala for her 21st birthday, which raised more than $50,000 for 18 cancer organizations.

Cancer survivor Molly Oldham with young Scout at the Gratitude Gala July 23 in Fairlawn.
Cancer survivor Molly Oldham with young Scout at the Gratitude Gala July 23 in Fairlawn.

More on Molly Oldham:Bath cancer survivor sees wish come true with Gratitude Gala

Oldham, a two-time brain cancer survivor, had a third neurosurgery in October to remove what turned out to be a radiation-induced, noncancerous tumor. Her recovery has included a loss of peripheral eyesight as well as seizures. She'll have her first post-operative MRI on Christmas Eve, the day after "Home for the Holidays."

'I'm just grateful':Molly Oldham beats brain cancer twice, focuses on musical theater goals

On Monday, she'll join other musical theater and vocal students from the area as well as performers from Millennial Theatre Project, ETC show choirs and Medina CAMEO for holiday classics and Broadway favorites. "Home for the Holidays" will honor the late Henry Zuchegno of ETC and the late Deborah "Ingy" Ingersoll, who was a beloved local pianist.

More than 50 young artists will perform, with performances including numerous vocal numbers as well as ballroom dance, a saxophone solo and standup. Multiple cancer warriors will perform.

Among the soloists will be Rayla Garske, who most recently played Joanne in the national tour of "Rent." James Stryska of New York will be music director.

Any family who has been touched by cancer is invited to attend as guests of the cast. See the form for complimentary tickets at https://form.jotform.com/223395344440151.

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The event will include a digital photo booth donated by SugarBooth.

The concert will be followed by a VIP "Meet the Singers" dessert reception on the mezzanine catered by Waterloo Catering and R. Shea, whose #BrewStacheStrong beer funds brain cancer research. Cost for the VIP event is an additional $25.

Arts and restaurant writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com.

Details on Akron Civic show

Concert: "Home for the Holidays: A Broadway Can-Cert," presented by Stewart's Caring Place, The Molly Impact and Millennial Theater Project

When: 6:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron

Cost: $20-$25 (tickets for the originally scheduled show on Friday will be honored)

VIP party: Additional $25

Information: www.akroncivic.com/shows/625

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Local cancer warrior gives back to families with show at Akron Civic