Levi Kreis to Join Seattle Men's Chorus as Guest Artist; Holiday Extravaganza Runs 11/30-12/22

Seattle Men's Chorus (SMC) borrows from the film classic Casablanca for their annual holiday extravaganza at Benaroya Hall. In Play it Again, Santa, Santa (not Sam) is at the piano and the out-of-the-way nightclub is much farther north - like at the North Pole! There will be eight Seattle concerts plus two outreach performances in Tacoma and Everett. For the first two Seattle concerts of their 34th season opener, SMC welcomes to the stage Tony award-winning pianist and vocalist Levi Kreis (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 only) as the guest artist.

In 2005 Levi released his debut album and has since released five studio albums and performance recordings. In 2010 he received the Tony Award for "Best Featured Actor in a Musical" for his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet (he also appeared in the pre-broadway production at Village Theatre in 2007 in the same role). Levi's powerful vocals and ability to 'tear through a gospel song,' along with SMC's fabulous musical style, mean that it may be hard to stay seated at this season's concert.

With their unique blend of song, dance and campy comedy, SMC has carved its niche as Seattle's OTHER holiday tradition. As artistic director Dennis Coleman points out, "we try to bring three things to every holiday concert: a goose-bump, a laugh and a tear." Goose-bumps abound in act one with several richly harmonic a capella selections, both traditional and non-traditional pieces. Act two brings lots of laughs with the special "Santa set" and there will be a good dose of emotion as SMC celebrates the "gift of marriage equality in 2013." Expect holiday favorites like "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "We Need a Little Christmas," "Joy to the World," and "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and no concert would be complete without SMC's signature holiday piece, "Silent Night."

For the second consecutive year, SMC is proud to partner with Lifelong AIDS Alliance for a Holiday Food Drive during the Seattle concerts at Benaroya Hall. All non-perishable goods will be accepted and will be used in Lifelong AIDS Alliance's food program, Chicken Soup Brigade.

Tickets to Seattle performances are $28-$78. Tickets to the Everett performance are $23-$43. Both Seattle and Everett concert tickets are available at SeattleMensChorus.org or over the phone at (206) 388-1400. The Seattle area box office is open Monday through Friday Noon-7:00pm. Tacoma concert tickets are $44-$59 and available at BroadwayCenter.org.

SEATTLE - Benaroya Hall:

Saturday, November 30, 8:00pm, with special Guest Levi Kreis
Sunday, December 1, 2:00pm, with special Guest Levi Kreis
Sunday, December 8, 7:30pm
Monday, December 9, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 15, 2:00pm
Sunday, December 15, 7:30pm
Monday, December 16, 7:30pm
Sunday, December 22, 7:30pm

EVERETT - Civic Auditorium:
Saturday, December 14, 8:00pm

TACOMA - Pantages Theatre:*
Thursday, December 12, 8:00pm

* Tickets are $44-$59 and available at: BroadwayCenter.org.

About the Seattle Men's Chorus/Seattle Women's Chorus Founded in 1979, the internationally renowned Seattle Men's Chorus, along with Seattle Women's Chorus (founded in 2002), are the largest community choruses in America; and the largest gay choruses in the world. Flying House Productions, home of Seattle Men's Chorus and Seattle Women's Chorus, ranks third among the state's music organizations with over 300 members of SMC and over 250 members of SWC. Our Mission is to entertain, enlighten, unify and heal our audience and members, using the power of words and music to recognize the value of gay and straight people and their relationships. Our Vision: A world that accepts and values its gay and lesbian citizens.

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