By Rohan Preston

You've no doubt seen images of auctioneers who talk so fast, they veer to the edge of song. But few, if any, of these auctioneers are as sonorous as T. Mychael Rambo, the Emmy-winning Twin Cities actor-singer.

Rambo put his full talents on display Monday at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, Minn., where he hosted Pillsbury House Theatre's annual gala auction.

Fast becoming a spring tradition, this benefit raises funds to support programs at Pillsbury House. On Monday, patrons bid on door-themed artworks by the likes of Brant Kingman, Abbi Allen and Ta-coumba Aiken. The event also included excerpts of Pillsbury House shows with actors Christiana Clark and Simone Perrin. Director Stephen DiMenna also shared a scene from "Vigil," which he staged in New York to strong reviews and which will open at Pillsbury House in September.

And patrons were regaled by the estimable Rambo, who coaxed and cajoled bidders to up their ante on the art pieces, all tired to past shows at Pillsbury House. At one point, the bidding became tentative. That's when Rambo kicked into action, his auctioneering turning into song.

"He always pulls out a Stevie Wonder melody when the time is right," actor Sonja Parks, who won an Ivey Award for her tour-de-force performance in "No Child," said later.

Rambo's hosting was apparently effective. The benefit took in "between $10- and $15,000 thousand," said Pillsbury House co-director Noel Raymond.

Still, she continued, "the idea is not just to raise money but to give people a taste of our mission. I think people had a good time."