Broadway musicals have always resonated with gay men. These shows have often served as an escape from the horrors of the real world. So it comes as no surprise that the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus would put together a concert that celebrates songs that were made famous on the Great White Way.
In "Broadway, Our Way," which will perform twice on Saturday, March 29, the chorus will dazzle audiences as nearly 300 singers and more than 20 dancers take to the stage to perform songs by some of Broadway's best-known composers, like Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cole Porter, John Kander and Harold Arlen. The chorus will also honor Stephen Schwartz by performing a song from each of his best-known hits, "Godspell," "Pippin," and "Wicked."
This concert marks a step up for the chorus. For the first time they will be performing at the historic Curran Theater, where many classic Broadway shows have been staged, and where scenes from the classic 1950 film "All About Eve" were filmed. The chorus joins a long list of celebrated Broadway performers who have graced the stage of this beautiful theater.
In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter, SFGMC conductor and artistic director Jacob Stensberg spoke about the chorus' move to the Curran, the importance of being out performers in the current political climate, and, of course, the concert itself.
David-Elijah Nahmod: What your inspiration is for doing a Broadway tribute show?
Jacob Stensberg: In planning this season, I knew this Spring concert would need to accomplish three things. Bring our community together, provide a moment of lightness and escapism, but also address the current moment we're in. The emotional depth of Broadway's best, combined with a flair for the dramatic only the LGBTQ+ community can achieve, made it the perfect option. The concert has both camp and care, parody and power. I'm really proud of the singers' willingness to deliver such an emotionally wide-spanning performance.
Making your debut at the Curran is an exciting development! How did that come about and how do you feel about it?
We are so thrilled! Since moving to San Francisco almost three years ago, I have loved attending arts events all over the city and seeing the gorgeous theaters all throughout San Francisco. We are truly blessed unlike any other major US city I have ever visited. I knew of the Curran Theater as the birthplace of "Wicked," "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical," and the longest domestic run of "Phantom of the Opera" outside of New York City. I love show tunes, and, in envisioning this concert, it just felt like the obvious place to perform. It's a historic stage, and we are honored to join our legacies on March 29.
Will the full chorus be performing?
Yes, we'll have upwards of 250 singers onstage, plus another 50 volunteers backstage and throughout the lobby and hall to make this performance come to life.
What are some of the planned musical numbers?
This show has some amazing choreography. We have a whole number of songs from the musical "Chicago" with some classic choreography from the show. We are also featuring a team of tap dancers from the chorus in a performance of "Anything Goes." We start the second act of the show with the most over-the-top performance of "Masquerade" from "Phantom of the Opera." You don't want to miss it!
I'm told there will also be a few solo numbers.
There are some stunning solos in this concert. "I Know Where I've Been" is towards the end of the performance, and is sung by SFGMC member Nick Slater. It's a show-stopping performance, and I'm so proud of him for bringing that song to life in such a powerful way for our audiences.
Another more serious song that I love in this concert is "Sunday," from Sondheim's "Sunday in the Park with George." Brandon Jenkins performs this with such heart, I never grow tired of hearing it. We've also got some silliness in store. We've got a full parody of the opening number from "Beauty and the Beast" led by soloist Tom Paulino that is truly a delight.
Will there be any political statements made during this concert?
We are the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Our first performance was on the steps of City Hall in 1978 for the candlelight vigil of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Whatever we do and wherever we go, our existence is resistance and our music is our protest. And furthermore, when you purchase a ticket to see us perform in a concert, you participate in that protest with us.
Can you say something about the importance of continued visibility in this era of anti-LGBT attacks from the president and Republicans?
As it always has been, our existence is resistance. Our music is a protest. We have been the target of anti-LGBT attacks regardless of what party occupies the White House. We are not yet, and I don't expect us to be anytime soon, tired of singing. The final piece in our upcoming Broadway concert comes from the new musical "Suffs" and is titled "Keep Marching," that's exactly what we plan to do.
'Broadway, Our Way' with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, March 29, 1pm and 7:30pm, Curran Theater, 445 Geary Street, $37-$224.
www.sfgmc.org
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