GMCW’s “Holiday Show” offers razzle, dazzle, and “Silver Bears”
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington's annual Holiday Show is one of D.C.'s most joyful traditions
Last year, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington rechristened its annual holiday show, which it has been doing for nearly 38 years, officially calling it “The Holiday Show.”
“We always gave it a title like ‘Sparkle Jingle Joy’ or ‘Rewrapped’ or ‘Rockin’ the Holidays,'” says Artistic Director Thea Kano. “But last year, I thought why don’t we just call it ‘The Holiday Show’? This is our second year actually calling it that.”
Kano hopes the rebranding will help further solidify the festive, frequently flamboyant and outlandishly entertaining concert as a Washington Christmastime tradition. “People go see the Rockettes every year. Some folks always take time to go see The Nutcracker. We’re trying to get something going where people have a tradition of including GMCW’s ‘Holiday Show’ as an annual outing.”
Kano has little to worry about. The GMCW’s Holiday Show already sits atop Washington’s trinity of seasonal traditions, alongside Ford’s Christmas Carol and The Washington Ballet’s uniquely D.C. take on The Nutcracker.
Kano says people can expect the usual razzle and dazzle in this year’s production, along with callout performances by the chorus’ many ensembles, including the Rock Creek Singers, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and assist from its own 17th Street Dance Troupe. Naturally, there will be an appearance by Santa, a snowfall, and a host of fabulous costumes. And, of course, there will be a customary blend of traditional holiday choral music with popular standards.
“The holiday show is a nice warm opportunity to remind our audience of our mission, which is equality and justice for all,” says Kano. “But we always like to throw in fun things. So we will have a drag queen number. And ‘Silver Bells’ will actually be ‘Silver Bears.’ We never lose sight of who we are.”
GMCW’s The Holiday Show is Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. At the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are $25 to $65. Call 877-435-9849 or visit gmcw.org.
Also: GMCW is collecting toys to benefit Community Family Life Services. If you’d like to help, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Lincoln Theatre on December 8, 15 or 16 to help a child in need.
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