If you have wished that a show could be created to pay homage to all things wonderful about animation, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC has answered your requests. Running this weekend at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street, WHEN YOU WISH is a fabulously fun, all-encompassing dance through lands of enchantment, and everything good about both animation and the chorus itself. This show comes as part of GMCW's 34th season, the first one led by Artistic Director THEA KANO, the first female to hold the position. Kano, along with Stage Director JOHN MORAN, has crafted a show that covers all bases. There are a plethora of Disney songs, popular tunes, and classic favorites such as "Hallelujah", but also a few number you may have never heard before, like "When Your Heart Has Wings" from Marco Polo: Return to Xanadu. The show always has a bouncy feel to it, and the directors constantly ensure that the flow is right. Song arrangements weren't always the full number, but they were enough to be enjoyed. Many of the songs featured hilarious tidbits such as two ballet dancers stopping to enjoy spaghetti and meatballs (carbs are important), or a lost, high-heeled Dorothy wandering around and taking selfies. Current events also come into play with "I'm Just a Bill" from SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK! and "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from THE LITTLE MERMAID is rewritten to poke a little (accurate) fun with the DC community. Costume Design Nicholas Baker has left no type of fabric forgotten, and these costumes are incredible. Dancers come out as Minions and sea creatures, and six drag queens brought the house down with "Spellblock Tango". This show has a collective team on a mission to sparkle, and it works. WHEN YOU WISH also features both of GMCW's ensemble groups, Rock Creek Singers and Potomac Fever. Each group found songs that fit with their usual style, and Potomac Fever's "Spider Pig" will send you into fits of laughter. The solos and smaller group numbers rarely faltered, the highlight being "Let it Go", which was shared by seven flawless performers. What makes this concert especially smart is that when the moments need to count, they assuredly do. Emotional numbers such as "Hallelujah" and "When You Believe" are given full attention, and the final number of the show, "Circle of Life" from THE LION KING incorporates a slideshow history on the fight for equality. On the whole, the show had very few issues, save for a few technical setbacks that could be chalked up to being opening night. The lights were down for an extended period at the beginning while a video was brought up, and microphone levels were off. Some microphones fought with the elaborate costumes, which is always a risk with taped microphones, wigs, and placement. If you can make it to Lincoln Theatre for the last two performances of WHEN YOU WISH, I encourage you to make like Speed Racer and do it. WHEN YOU WISH is magical, and you will have just as much fun and fulfillment as its performers clearly do on their stage. WHEN YOU WISH runs at Lincoln Theatre today, March 14th, at 3pm and 8pm. For more information, visit the GMCW production page.
