In Part 2 of a series of interviews with the soloists of this Saturday’s The S* Show: Sinatra, Sondheim, and Streisand? performed by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC Meet Paul Negron.
Paul: After moving to DC the year prior, I joined GMCW in January 2014. In my time singing with the Chorus, there have been so many amazing moments. One that stands out is during my first show, Passion, in February 2014. We were performing an outreach concert in West Virginia. The chorus was waiting backstage to go on and Potomac Fever, one of the Chorus’ two small ensembles, took the stage. I heard Kevin Thomason, fellow S* Show soloist, sing the iconic “I Dreamed a Dream” from my favorite musical, Les Miserables. I was blown away by his ridiculous talent and the amazing sound of the group. Doing an outreach concert and hearing that song, it all got to me and I knew I was in the right place. I get the privilege now of singing alongside Kevin and the other members of the group now that I’m a member of Potomac Fever!
In 5 words or less how would you describe each one?
Sinatra: Classically smooth.
Sondheim: Perfection.
Streisand: Like Butter.
Tell us about your solo and why you love the song and what the song means to you.
Without giving it away, I chose a Sinatra classic that epitomizes some of the struggles and ups and downs I’ve gone through in my life. I endured a rather rocky coming out process that involved getting kicked out of my fraternity for being gay. Subsequent years were a challenge in dealing with that guilt and shame, but finally in the last few years I’ve managed to come to terms with what happened and I’ve used that experience to motivate me into a stronger and more positive person today. And, the song is a fantastic arrangement that is upbeat and lets me use some smooth moves on stage.
Why do you think Sondheim, Sinatra, and and Streisand are so popular with the Gay community?
The selections from this trio of greats tugs at the heartstrings, is relatable, and exquisitely well-written.
What is your favorite Sinatra, Sondheim, and Streisand song that you are not singing and why?
I could never do Ms. Streisand justice, but “The Way We Were.” It always gets to me, especially when I’m in a nostalgic mood.
I’m consistently blown away by the talent of all of the guys in the Chorus and particularly with this year’s cast. It’s such a pleasure and honor to sing with these fine gentlemen. The songs chosen are not your typical choices and each singer brings a unique and personal story to each song. The power of these stories of struggle and triumph shine brightly while we all are singing. Hopefully, the crowd will leave with a greater appreciation for what many of us have gone through and a desire to come back again and again to be fully entertained and enthralled in the future.
The S* Show: Sinatra, Sondheim, and Streisand? will be performed at 5 PM and 8 PM (This performance is SOLD OUT) by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, (GMCW) on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Sprenger Theatre – 1333 H Street NE, in Washington, DC. For tickets, call the Box Office at (202) 399-7993, or purchase them online.
LINKS:
Meet Soloist JJ Vera of The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s ‘The ‘S Show’ Playing This Saturday at 5 & 8 PM at Atlas.
Meet Soloist Paul Negron of The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s ‘The S Show’ Playing This Saturday at 5 & 8 PM at Atlas.
