The Thurman Thomas-themed fundraiser will be a change of pace for him.

"We adapt songs that people know. We add new lyrics," said Gina Gandolfo-Lopez, managing director of Road Less Traveled Productions. "It's not a roast, but it presents a whole background of his life."

The theater company began its "Buffalo Stories" fundraisers in 2016 with the idea that each year would spotlight a different well-known Buffalonian. Last year's production focused on former Mayor Anthony Masiello. That show, a one-night-only performance, sold out.

Masiello attended the musical about his life, and Gandolfo-Lopez said Thomas will, too.

"He's a guest of honor at both performances," she said. "He is totally on board."

Gandolfo-Lopez said Thomas is exactly the kind of celebrity Road Less Traveled had in mind when it began its "Buffalo Stories" event. The idea of spotlighting the football legend struck a chord particularly with the theater's executive director, Scott Behrend, a Bills fan who followed the team closely in the 1990s.

"Thurman Thomas is someone I believe we always looked up to," she said. "In terms of creating this event, we wanted to bring community-focused people who really are pro-Buffalo back into the spotlight."