LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Gay Chorus' Tribute to Life as a Drama Queen |
by Kelli Steele |
Drama Queen! You know the type. The term is normally given to a gay man or lesbian who is outlandishly over-reactive (EVERYTHING'S A CRISIS) in just about everything and anything he or she does. On Saturday, June 23, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC drew cheers of laughter and a standing ovation from the audience as the almost-200 voice chorus performed Drama Queen!
In the group's fourth Rehoboth appearance, howls of laughter could be heard from the audience as Drama Queen was sung. The performance featured 9 members of G-Men, a song and dance ensemble of the chorus, dressed in jeans and brightly-colored, shear, linen-style shirts who danced back and forth across stage as they told the story of an infant boy who apparently was born a Drama Queen! In fact the little baby boy was so-o-o animated, the doctors told his parents to, "take him home NOW." The singers also wore scarfs around their necks to emphasize their DRAMATIC side and as the song ended, they pulled them over their heads like only "drama queens" would do! Another comedic medley brought out a group of men, also members of the song and dance ensemble G-Men dressed in bright orange and yellow peddle-pushers with (pardon the expression), big bananas. NO REALLY! They were carrying bright yellow blow-up Chiquita bananas, which seemed to "rise" to the occasion (the fruit mind you, NOT the men). The GMCW went on to perform quite a different version of several of the songs originally sung by The Supremes. "Mother Supreme Court Justice," dressed in a long black robe was surrounded by other "justices" as they sang Can't Hurry Love and STOP, In The Name of Love just to name a few. The Gay Men's Chorus, a staple of the Washington, DC choral music scene, is in its 20th season and stands at the forefront of the gay and lesbian chorus movement. The Chorus was founded in 1981 and has performed to critical acclaim throughout the world, including performances at the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Theater, and the Lisner Auditorium on the campus of George Washington University. Joining the GMCW in the benefit concert was the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware, a two-year-old, state-based gay singing group made up of both men and women. "The Rainbow Chorale was formed in the spring of 1999 with about 35 members and has been growing steadily ever since," said Elliott Jones, Artistic Director for the Rainbow Chorale. "For the past two years, I've been having a whole lot of fun. Sometimes it's tough trying to keep everybody happy, but it's always a joy." Kym Thompson, the Vice President of membership for the Rainbow Chorale, said "I agree with Elliot, singing beautiful music is always a lot of fun and we're always looking for new voices." I have to single out Kym for her solo during the Rainbow Chorale's performance of Cole Porter's Blow, Gabriel, Blow. She received a standing ovation for her outstanding animated performance. Anyone interested in joining the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware can call 1.888.512.5093 or visit the group's website at www.rainbowchorale.org. This year's GMCW concert opened with several Broadway numbers including Anthem (from "Chess) and Michael's Letter to Mama (from "tales of the City), featuring Baritone Robert Boaz. Robert, through song, told the 'coming out' story of a young gay man through a letter to his mama. Boaz also received a standing ovation. The net proceeds from the concert will support the work of the Sussex County Aids Committee, a community-based AIDS service organization. SCAC's mission is to provide supportive services to residents of Sussex County who are infected with HIV or AIDS. Among other things, SCAC provides supplemental food, transportation to medical and social services appointments, and emergency financial assistance to clients throughout the county. Once again, kudos to the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC and the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware. Both groups once again performed fantastically to a sold-out crowd. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 8, June 29, 2001. |