The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus spread some much needed holiday cheer when Babes in Joyland: Dreaming of a Pink Christmas played to a packed house at the Nourse Theater this past weekend. There were moments that celebrated the birth of Jesus, and moments that reminded the audience that in a diverse society, some may see God differently than others. "Some children see him lily white, some children see him bronzed and brown," sang the Chorus in Alfred Burt's "Some Children See Him."
Much of the evening had a strong gay sensibility. Instead of dreaming of a White Christmas, the Chorus sang of a Pink Christmas. There was a bevy of adorable elves, and a chorus line of can-can-dancing Santas. There were serious moments as well. Chorus artistic director and conductor Dr. Timothy Seelig acknowledged there may be dark days ahead in the aftermath of Donald Trump's White House win. Seelig and executive director Chris Verdugo urged people to donate to the Chorus' upcoming Lavender Pen Tour, named after the pen used by former Mayor George Moscone to sign the city's first major gay rights ordinance into law. That bill was introduced by former Supervisor Harvey Milk. Both Milk and Moscone were assassinated at City Hall in 1978.
"We'll be going to states where our brothers, sisters and youth feel threatened," Verdugo said. "Over 2,500 incidents of bullying have been reported, these are the states we will be travelling to. We will sing on the steps of the state Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi. We will sing in churches and in schools. We will sing in support of our brothers and sisters, and hopefully we will change hearts and minds." Chorus members will be paying their own way to join the Lavender Pen tour. Donations to help meet expenses were encouraged.
One of the concert's highlights was the appearance of guest artist Marnie Breckenridge, a New York-based soprano. Breckenridge sang "Silent Night" to thunderous applause. Then the Chorus signed the song in ASL sign language for the deaf. Breckenridge showed her lighter side with her campy take on "Jingle Bells," clad in a stunning white gown and matching boa. There was a definite Marilyn Monroe vibe.
The Chorus will perform their annual Home for the Holidays show on Christmas Eve at the Castro Theatre. "This year is the 27th annual Home for the Holidays at the Castro," Seelig told the B.A.R. "I 'can-can' give you a few little hints �" that was one of them. Make sure to wear something pink if you want to fit in! We also welcome international opera diva Melody Moore back. She appeared in our holiday shows six years ago and was a huge hit.
"The LGBTQ community in the majority of our country still suffers from a wide array of discrimination and abuse from every area: family, friends, and government," he said. "We know we must still sing to encourage our entire community and continue to fight against the injustice we all share. The chorus has a 38-year history of being on the forefront of every issue that affected our community," Seelig added. "We will continue to be out, sing out, and call out those wishing to take away our hard-fought rights."
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus: Home for the Holidays, Sat., Dec. 24, 5, 7 & 9 p.m. Castro Theatre. Tickets: sfgmc.org.