Gay Men's Chorus Of LA Presents Holiday Concert w/ Ralph & Rimes 12/18-19

The renowned Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) pulls out the stops with two matinee and one evening performance of its annual holiday musical extravaganza - featuring guest appearances by country music legend LeAnn Rimes and Broadway star Sheryl Lee Ralph, and led by guest conductor Tim Seelig, in his GMCLA debut - Saturday, December 18, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 19, 2010, 3 p.m., at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Some 150 choristers, resplendent in holiday finery, do Santa proud with a bundle of beloved seasonal works, and dazzling Twelve Days of Christmas "Black-Light Puppet Spectacular." A team of merry elves adds to the musical festivities, which kick off the choir's 2010-11 Season, its 32nd. 

Ralph, who captivated music and theatre fans as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of DREAMGIRLS, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination, showcases her dazzling vocals at both the matinee and evening performances on December 18. Among her extensive stage, film and TV credits, she starred in the Disney movie 'Oliver & Company', appeared as Denzel Washington's wife in 'The Mighty Quinn', played Robert De Niro's mistress in 'Mistress' and has also had roles in 'The Flintstones', 'Deterrence' and 'Unconditional Love', among others.

Rimes joins the chorus on December 19, 3 pm, providing a rare opportunity to hear the star's radiant and distinctive voice in an intimate venue. Rimes has sold more than 37 million albums, won two Grammy Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards and 12 Billboard Music Awards. She is the youngest recipient of a Grammy Award, and was also the first country recording artist to win in the "Best New Artist" category.

"The holiday program is one of our most popular concerts," says GMCLA Executive Director Hywel Sims. "It's a great mix of tradition, whimsy, poignancy, and, of course, fun. We are also honored to have LeAnn Rimes and Sheryl Lee Ralph join us." He notes that Rimes and Ralph, who perform on separate days, will each perform both with the chorus and solo.

Holiday spirit reigns from the first note to last with a broad spectrum of classical and pop selections. Works include Handel's Comfort Ye, Bruckner's Ave Maria, the Kenny Loggin's anthem Celebrate Me Home, Silver Bells by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and Mariah Carey's playful All I Want for Christmas Is You. Mark Riese's God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Mary Sat A-Rockin' by Greg Gilpin, Pat Ballard's classic Mr. Santa, and the lush Merry Christmas/Christmas Carol by John Williams and Leslie Bricusse are also featured.

Singing and dancing elves add a touch of merry mischief in the number Elves Broadway Christmas. Santa is tired of his elves singing nothing but show tunes and has declared the season to be show-tune free. The elves have a delightful way of getting around this edict.

Another concert highlight sure to delight the entire family is the "Black-Light Puppet Spectacular" set to the Twelve Days of Christmas. As the chorus begins to sing the beloved tune, the lights fade to black, a black light comes up and the only thing visible is a single gift-wrapped package sitting on stage, out of which flies the Partridge in a Pear Tree. Then, magically, 12 gift boxes appear and all 78 gifts pop out of them again and again with enchanting choreography as the chorus sings down the days of Christmas. Through the magic of black light, the puppeteers and chorus remain invisible, creating an amazing visual and aural spectacle.

Tim Seelig has been making music as a conductor, singer and teacher for 35 years. He is currently the Director of Art for Peace & Justice, Artistic Director in Residence for GALA Choruses and on the adjunct music faculty Southern Methodist University's Meadows School of the Arts since 1996. In addition, he continues an extremely busy guest conducting schedule throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. He is the Conductor Emeritus of the Turtle Creek Chorale, which he conducted for 20 years

The season continues March 26 and 27, 2011 when Guest Conductor Cristian Grases leads the concert entitled "A Mighty Voice" at Los Angeles Theatre Center in Downtown LA. "Totally! Our ‘80's Show," with Guest Conductor Andres Cladera, closes the three-concert season on July 9 and 10, 2011, at Avalon in Hollywood.

Tickets range from $15 to $55 and are available online at www.gmcla.org. For more information call (800) MEN-SING (800-636-7464). The Alex Theatre is located at 216 North Brand Avenue in Glendale, California.

Founded in 1979, Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles has built an international reputation for musical excellence while remaining deeply rooted in service to the Los Angeles community and promoting civil rights, tolerance and acceptance though music. Praised by critics for presenting "meaningful entertainment," the choir has also been described as "inspired," "expressive, innovative, and utterly moving." It is one of the largest and most influential men's choirs in the nation and is the first gay men's choir to perform for a sitting president - William Jefferson Clinton. In addition to presenting concerts each season in Southern California at Glendale's Alex Theatre and elsewhere, GMCLA tours nationally and internationally. The 230-member choir has released 14 compact discs, commissioned more than 300 new works and arrangements and has guest starred on such TV shows as "$#*! My Dad Says," starring William Shatner, "Will & Grace" and "Six Feet Under." In October, it produced an anti-bullying musical video message featuring Cyndi Lauper's moving anthem "True Colors" for the "It Gets Better" project, quickly becoming a viral sensation that has received nearly 350,000 hits to date. GMCLA presents its popular annual holiday concert December 18 and 19 at the Alex Theatre, with country music legend LeAnn Rimes joining the chorus as special guest for the December 19, 3 p.m., matinee. GMCLA returns for a command performance at the LA County free Holiday Concert at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion December 24. It is also featured in KCET's telecast of last year's Holiday Concert December 8 and 25.

 

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