Photo Flash: AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

The near capacity performance of “And The Award Goes To…” at the Alex Theatre celebrated Grammy, Oscar and, of course, TONY award-winning music as only the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles could.

A program worthy of touring the states, this one-of-a-kind show was a send-up of the awards-show as well as a salute to some of the best songs of the last 30 years from stage to screen.  With their own list of nominated for Best Video moments, included "Girls will be Girls," "MSNBC's Keith Oberman," and "Tina Fey as Sarah Palin in Saturday Night Live" - And the Award went to .... Hairspray-creator Marc Shaiman's internet sensation “Prop 8 the Musical.”

Hosted by the incomparable Miss Coco Peru (drag icon, and star of films including Trick and Girls Will Be Girls), and the jewel in the evening crown was the incomparable talent of Tony Nominee and Broadway babe Valarie Pettiford (Fosse, The Wiz, Chicago).

The nearly 200 men who make up the GMCLA, not only vocally won the audiences hearts over, but also doubled as an impressive dance troupe worthy of The Great White Way. "Valarie Pettiford is simply one of the most powerful performers, she absolutely blew me away!" said Kate Linder (The Young & the Restless), while Broadway veteran and TV mom Ilene Graff remarked, "The Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles always put on a great show.  You just know your going to be impressed and they never let you down." Channing Chase (AMC's MAD MEN), added "We had a great time. A very entertaining show!  DJ Pick singing "It's Hard out here for a Pimp" was hilarious."

With an abundance of video elements, lavish costumes, and lots of dancing and spectacle; “And The Award Goes To…” began by lampooning the 'red carpet' culture with a pre-show red-carpet entrance, complete with “paparazzi,” fighting for that money shot; “faux celebrities” promoting non existent films and products; and, of course, “entertainment reporters” commenting on it all.

As the curtain goes up, the GMCLA launches into a salute to Academy Award winning songs like "Sooner or Later," "If I Didnt Have you," "Al otro lado del rio," “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “It's Hard out Here for a Pimp;” Grammy winning songs like "Fallin,"“Sown To Earth,"“Rehab,” and “Unforgettable;” and songs from Tony Award winning shows like “Avenue Q”, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” and “Hairspray,”with "You Cant Stop The Beat," "Sunrise," "Not Wearing Underwear," "Favorite ONE," "Let's Make Love," and "Change the World.”

The evenings success was due in part to the amazing scenic design of Brite Ideas, Inc., and of course, the creative talents of their conductor/artistic director Bruce Mayhall, director Larry Todd Johnson, producer Chris Verdugo, choreographer Mark Chung, co-director/choreographer Christopher Graham, lighting designer StEve Young, costume designer Philip Hayman, production manager Brianne Perogla, pianist Nelson Kole, as well as executive producer Hywel Sims.  And a very special note a praise to ASL Interpreter Jon Maher, whose skills not only serve a purpose but also entertain.

Photos by Bill Dow

Valarie Pettiford

Coco Peru and GMCLA

Jon Maher

Coco Peru and Valarie Pettiford with GMCLA

Valarie Pettiford

Valarie Pettiford, Bruce Mayhall and Coco Peru

Alex Theatre marque

Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles

GMCLA

Coco Peru

Alex Theatre lobby

Hywel Sims, Valarie Pettiford and Bruce Mayhall

Coco Peru

GMCLA

Kate Linder, Bruce Mayhall, Ilene Graff and Hywel Sims

Coco Peru and Valarie Pettiford