Divas! returns to RLT’s Sutton Theatre for its 20th and final year in 2026! Who will be crowned our 2026 Diva? To find out, save the date for an evening of glitz, glam, and giving on May 2.

Saturday, May 2, 2026
Pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m.
Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Directed by Alison Lawrence

All ticket holders are invited to join us for a pre-show reception before the show begins! Mingle with fellow attendees and current and past Divas, browse our silent auction items in-person, and enjoy refreshments and light bites.

How does Divas! work?

Leading up to and throughout the evening, support your favorite Diva with your dollars! This can be done by making donations on BidPal, our website, or in person via check or credit card on the night of the event. You can also bid on amazing silent auction items and decide which Diva your bid will support! Every dollar raised is one vote for your chosen Diva. The Diva with the highest fundraising total by the end of the night wins the coveted crown (and bragging rights)!

Check out the show program here!

Special guest host: Clay Aiken!

We’re excited to welcome back accomplished performer, devoted advocate, and RLT alumnus Clay Aiken as this year’s MC!

Clay Aiken hosting Divas! 2025; Photo by Jeannine Borzello

Bid on items & support a Diva!

You don’t have to be present to win our incredible silent auction items! Browse and bid on an assortment of beautiful items, gift cards, and more on our Bidpal page. The auction will close during intermission of Divas! on Saturday, May 2, around 9:30pm. Please bid generously – all funds raised support RLT!

Meet our Divas!

For its 20th and final year, Divas! 2026 will be a battle of the best! Former winning Divas compete for the coveted crown and title of Ultimate Diva. You won’t want to miss this!

Click each Diva’s name below to head straight to their BidPal page! You can also vote for your favorite Diva by donating on our website. Thanks for voting and supporting RLT and your 2026 Divas!

Staci Sabarsky – 2006
Katherine Anderson – 2007
Katie Hennenlotter – 2010
Greg Moore – 2012
Kevin O’Barr – 2012
Brian Fisher – 2015
Jess Barbour – 2017
Dee Penven-Crew – 2019
Alec Donaldson – 2021
Tina Morris-Anderson – 2022
Benaiah Adesoji – 2023

And introducing…
Ryder Kalmus – Junior Diva
Rusty the Dog – Honorary Diva

Thanks to our sponsors!

MARQUEE SPONSOR ($5,000 LEVEL)

Rob & Linda Grew

PLATINUM SPONSOR ($2,500 LEVEL)

North State Bank

Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP

DIAMOND SPONSOR ($1,000 LEVEL)

Alec & Georgia Donaldson
David & Elaine Petrone
Amy & John Bason
Cantey & James Tanner
Cece & Peter Scott
David Wilkinson
Dee Penven-Crew
Don Reynolds

Edward Jones
Fran & Ed Anderson
Judith & Larry Wilson

Poyner Spruill

Raymond James & Associates

GOLD SPONSOR ($500 LEVEL)

Betsy & Warren Ludwig

Carolina Performance
Dawn Aschenbrenner
Debbie & Larry Robbins

Duke Energy
Gail Smith
Lucy Inman

Medlin-Davis Cleaners
Sue Castro

SILVER SPONSOR ($250 LEVEL)

Benji Jones
Beth Brody
Carole and Brad Wilson
Chiropractic Partners
David & Christy Connell
Jeffrey Miller
Jennie Gordon
Lori Towner & Jay Inhulsen
Mark Steward
Maurice Littleman
Nancy & Terry Brenneman
Neil & Mary Saunders
Robyn Bissette
Stephanie Toney
Thomas, Judy & Tucker, P.A.
Towne Bank
Victoria Wheeler