The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC (GMCW) recently treated its audience to a captivating showcase of music, interpretive dance, and unity in the form of Exhibitions. Led by talented artistic director Thea Kano, the event was a feast of sound and harmony, featuring not only the renowned GMCW but also its smaller ensembles, including Seasons of Love, Potomac Fever, Rock Creek Singers, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and 17th Street Dance.
The production unfolded as a guided tour of Atlas Performing Arts Center, giving the audience a chance to visit multiple sites of the theater and experience the rich tapestry of voices and dance presented by the various ensembles.
This format added a dynamic and immersive element to the event, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. A number of the performances swapped the roles of audience and performer by having the audience on stage, and the performers singing surrounding the audience. The Seasons of Love and Rock Creek Singers groups really capitalized on this choice, delivering a powerful rendition of “Sanctuary” at the Sprenger Theatre.
GMCW, now in its 43rd season, demonstrated its commitment to inspiring equality and inclusion through its work. The GMCW group’s final venue performance honored Native American two-spirit people with a rendition of “Thuŋkášila Imáyaluškiŋ,” a Lakota spiritual arrangement.
GMCW’s impressive outreach efforts include more than 100 performances each season aimed at spreading the message of equality and community.
The chorus has a rich history, having performed at notable events such as the HRC National Dinner, on The Today Show, and on international tours in Ukraine and Cuba. This commitment to outreach extends to the youth as well, with the GenOUT Youth Chorus making a significant impact as the first LGBTQ+ and allied youth chorus in the DC metro area. For Exhibitions, the youth chorus was the first performance, delivering excellent renditions of “The Rainbow Connection” and “The Times, They Are A-Changing.”
Although the one-day event has passed, this was an excellent opportunity to visit an iconic venue on H Street NE and showcase this group’s exceptional talents. I look forward to many continued performances from this group.
Running Time: 75 minutes, with no intermission
Exhibitions played February 17, 2024, presented by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC performing at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC, Washington, DC.
The program for GMCW’s Exhibitions, including credits and song list, is online here.
GMCW’s next performance, Youth Invasion, will be at the same venue on April 28, 2024. Tickets (free) will be available closer to the date.
