AMERICUS — Friends of the Rylander will host its annual event — the Rylander Benefit — from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Jan. 26. The theme for this year’s event is “Flappers and Feathers, but don’t tell mama.”

On the invitation, the event is described as an irresistible affair featuring “fabulous food and drink with live cabaret music from the ‘20’s, ‘30’s and ‘40’s.”

“The Cabaret theme was chosen because the theater opened in 1921. Flappers and feathers were prevalent in this era. ‘Don't Tell Mama' is a song from the stage play, ‘Cabaret’ and it's also a famous piano bar in New York City where the locals from Broadway drop in and sing. And like the Rylander, most find the Roaring ‘20's to be enchanting, glamorous and simply irresistible,” said Brooks Nettum, managing director of the Rylander Theatre.

Also highlighted for the event is the premiere exhibit by Jeff Williams, the art deco inspired artist. For over a decade, Williams — an Atlanta based artist— has been inspired by the formal and flamboyant life style of the art deco. His work has been described as a mirror image of his own life. Williams grew up with five older sisters — enhancing his incredible eye for style and design. His images range from brightly colored galas to sultry sophisticated scenes captured in more subdued palettes: nothing like his multi-faceted personality.

Williams has been painting since his childhood but was formally trained at the Art Institute of Atlanta. After spending some time in Europe, Williams became inspired by the “old masters” — an influence that sparked his interest in using stain washes. This technique added more depth and intensity to his work, reflecting a theme of “la bonne vie” or the good life. Williams has participated in many festivals throughout the United States and now his work is mainly found in galleries or in private collections. He also been featured in magazines such as Florida Designs, Pal Beach and Naples Times of Florida, Jezebel, Airtran Magazine and High Class Living Magazine of New Jersey.

Also starring in “Flappers and Feathers,” are Lisa Davis, Lara Gill, Joey Dunn, Nancy Stallings, Nancy Jones Dancers and Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) Singers and Dancers.

Proceeds from the event will support theater preservation of the Rylander. Two-thirds of the proceeds will be designated toward the historic preservation and one-third will be given to one lucky winner. This is made possible through a reverse raffle — in other words, the last ticket drawn is the grand prize winner. Raffle tickets are $100 each. The entry period began on Jan. 7 and will continue to Jan. 25.

Tickets for the event are $50 per person. For more information on tickets and the reverse raffle, contact the Rylander Box Office at 931-0001 or visit www.rylander.org.