Review: Providence Gay Men's Chorus: Seasons of Song
The Providence Gay Men's Chorus completed its 10th anniversary season this weekend with its Spring Program, "Seasons of Song". The evening was a musical journey that took the audience through the past decade of the Chorus' history.
The Chorus, never lacking in ambition, has attempted some difficult programs over the past decade. This concert program, was easily, the best Spring Concert the Chorus has performed in years.
The accompanists vamped the opening notes of "Seasons of Love" from Rent as the twenty-five member strong chorus filed onto the risers at the Beneficent Church. The chorus, which had previously worn their tuxes only for their holiday concerts, recently made the decision to wear their tuxes for this concert as well. It is a decision that I endorse, wholeheartedly. The look is professional, tailored and limits distraction.
"Seasons of Love" is perfect for choral presentation and has special meaning for the GLBT community. It made a perfect opener for Saturday evening's concert. In fact, and not surprisingly,nearly half of the music presented at the concert was music from Broadway musicals.
Karl Doerflinger had the first big solo of the evening, singing "You Made Me Love You". The song was sang with only slight modification to Roger Eden's "Dear Mr. Gable" introduction. A great bit of campy fun, well received by the audience.
The Judy Garland references had only just begun, next up was a Wizard of Oz medley, complete with costumes. There is something unavoidably funny about a six-foot two inch tall, black man, in a blue gingham dress and four inch ruby-red pumps. The Tin-Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Wicked Witch of the West all made cameos as well.
Earlier this year, the Chorus commissioned a piece of music in celebration of their 10th Anniversary. It is entitled "Sky-Born Music" with lyrics drawn from the poem "Music" by Ralph Waldo Emerson. They performed it for the first time during this three night run.
The evening ended with a medley from Wicked and a rendition of "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend", which was dedicated to the ladies of the Red Hat Society. The members of the Chorus donned red hats with purple ribbons as they sang directly to the members of a local chapter, who had taken a very prominent place in the audience, occupying the first three rows.
The Providence Gay Men's Chorus is a group of men who sing, for the love of singing. Under the direction of Terry Lindsay, the all volunteeer Chorus is at its best when it sings.
Rehearsals for the 11th season of the Providence Gay Men's Chorus begin on August 21, 2006. The first two rehearsals are open rehearsals, at which folks are welcome to experience what it is like to be part of the Chorus without the obligation to continue.
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