The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC presents “The Holiday Show.” Photo by Michael Key.
You know it’s really and truly December in DC when “The Holiday Show” by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) hits the stage at Lincoln Theatre. While always a festive start to the holiday season, this year’s concert was particularly dazzling. From its sweepingly cohesive programming to the new and exciting choreography and costumes for old favorites, 2022’s “The Holiday Show” is a huge hit.
…dazzling…a not-to-be-missed treat this winter season!
The concert opened with the strength with which it continued. The chorus began with Kelly Clarkson’s Christmas song “Underneath the Tree.” The retro feel of the song paired beautifully with the vintage costumes of 17th Street Dance, who were bedecked in mustard plaids and cranberry solids for an old-time holiday party. They danced with drinks in hand, a fun detail which drew the audience into the spirit of silliness and talent that we’d be treated to all evening.
As always, 17th Street Dance wowed throughout the show. “Sleigh Ride” has become a Holiday Show staple, featuring the fabulous tap dancers in the ensemble, and I was delighted to see new costumes and choreography keeping it fresh. What a great way to renew a crowd favorite! The hands-down crowd favorite of the night was the dancers’ performance in Todrick Hall’s “Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees.” It was hilarious, over-the-top, and an absolute joy to watch.
The much-loved GenOUT Youth Chorus is always a highlight of the show, and they didn’t disappoint. They sang the traditional Spanish carol “Los Pastores a Belén” with excellent technique, and performed charming choreography as well. I did get the sense that the students may have felt a little timid with their moves, so I’d like to encourage them that the entire audience was with them. I hope they feel emboldened to go out for their next performance and fully embrace their routine!
Cooper Westbrook gave a gorgeous solo during the piece “Noel,” admirably maintaining his composure when the fire alarms went off mid-performance until the show was halted and we were directed to evacuate. He then came back out after we were thankfully redirected back inside the theatre to redo his piece with aplomb. “Noel” is about shepherds, and Westbrook’s voice felt like the warm campfire lighting the night.
Other highlights included the hilarious “Boogie Woogie Hanukkah,” performed by small ensemble Rock Creek Singers, which was a wonderful pop of humor in the midst of more serious numbers. “It’s Snowing Elves” by ensemble Potomac Fever was another humorous favorite, and I also loved the more melancholy Dolly Parton hit “Hard Candy Christmas,” featuring soloists Brent Almond and Alexis Vida Rangel.
The concert had a wonderful balance of slower, more somber numbers, thoughtfully paced and interspersed with more upbeat or campy tunes. I truly appreciated how carefully constructed the program was, with highs and lows, humor and heart, presented in a way that made sense emotionally as I listened. For example, the beautiful Hebrew prayer “Bilvavi” followed an emotional monologue by speaker Benn May about the Colorado nightclub shootings. The ethereal “White Christmas,” performed by Potomac Fever, followed “Bells, Bows, Gifts, Trees,” but only after a spoken interlude by choir director Dr. Thea Kano and board chair Nicole Streeter, giving me a chance to reset my ears and prepare for a quieter number.
The haunting song “Mary Sat a Rockin’” was followed by a spirited performance of “Joyful, Joyful,” which opened with a powerful solo by Ronté Pierce. As this particular arrangement was from “Sister Act II,” it was a bit humorous as well as nostalgic, and made an excellent transition into what was technically the finale—the gloriously campy “Holding Out for a Hero.” The stunning Gabriel Lopez tore the house down with his rock-anthem solo. He fully owned the stage, his vocals, the audience, and, in true rock star fashion, even his hair (I wasn’t the only one who lost it when the fans turned on, blowing his locks backwards as he sang into the wind.) Lopez was backed by the chorus who sang with equal energy to some modified holiday lyrics. The audience was on their feet by the end of the number.
The true closing number effectively functioned as an encore, which was perfect, because what else could possibly follow such a moment? 17th Street Dance took the stage one final time to perform high-speed choreography to “12 Rockin’ Days” (“The Twelve Days of Christmas”). This carried over the high from “Hero” and let everyone laugh, cheer, and applaud the fantastic GMCW as they closed out one of their best holiday shows yet. “The Holiday Show” is a not-to-be-missed treat this winter season!
Running Time: 90 minutes without intermission.
“The Holiday Show” runs through December 11, 2022 presented by by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC at Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. For more information and tickets, click here. Covid Safety: At this time, masking is strongly recommended for all audience members while inside the venue. We are requiring our audiences to show proof of vaccination to attend GMCW events.
