Concert Review: ‘Judy’ by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC

Judy Garland might have left us to go over the rainbow, however her star has by no means dimmed. Homosexual Males’s Refrain of Washington, DC (GMCW) superbly illustrated how the legend’s affect shines on of their intimate cabaret entitled “Judy,” underneath the inventive course of cabaret pianist Alex Tang.

Homosexual Males’s Refrain of Washington, DC superbly illustrates how [Judy Garland’s] affect shines on…

That includes a small jazz trio and principally solo performers, refrain members took the viewers on a journey by means of their private connections to the music of Judy Garland in brief monologues earlier than every quantity. Some have been melancholy, some humorous, some touching, and one outright epic story of a younger homosexual boy’s dramatic weeks-long sob-fest to influence his dad and mom to buy him a coveted Judy Garland LP assortment (which resulted in valiant success!)

I appreciated how every vocalist sought to search out their very own artistry inside a considerate tribute to a Judy basic, permitting us to each take pleasure in listening to the requirements as we all know and love them whereas nonetheless being shocked and delighted by the individuality of every performer. Chuck Willett was a specific standout on “Good day, Bluebird” along with his playfulness on every reiteration of the title phrase, to not point out his excellent eye contact and engagement with the viewers, really giving us that cabaret taste.

Rinaldo “Rini” Martinez additionally introduced the aptitude along with his bawdy rendition of “The Trolley Music,” paying naughty consideration to sure sound impact lyrics and enhancing their impact with corresponding gestures that gave a tasteful however oh-so-fun trace of the risqué. Adam Edgerton demonstrated a very spectacular mastery of dynamic management in his rendition of “Come Rain or Come Shine.” He spun from quiet to loud and again once more on single, speedy notes and made it seem easy, drawing me right into a music whose melody may not have in any other case engaged. As a substitute, I used to be stored on the sting of my seat by his thrilling efficiency.

Rob Corridor handled the viewers to a stunning, heart-wrenching rendition of “Smile,” prefacing his music by recounting Judy’s struggles with despair, and one explicit efficiency he had discovered the place she sang the music virtually to herself. I tremendously appreciated the wistfully haunting power he delivered to his interpretation. Ellery Rhodes gave a strong efficiency of “Have Your self a Merry Little Christmas,” explaining to us how they beloved the lyrics “we’ll should muddle by means of by some means” as a toddler, and was distressed to listen to the prevalent sanitized model “hold a shining star upon the best bough” take its place in most non-Judy covers. They put their coronary heart and soul into their vocals, and it confirmed.

Whereas there have been too many performers to call, all excellent, my favourite performer of the evening was undoubtedly Jarrod Bennett along with his beautiful rendition of “Over the Rainbow.” He stripped the efficiency of all pretense and sang from his coronary heart for his sister, who, he defined, had handed away. Bennett gave us a Gospel-influenced efficiency with runs that have been solely emotive fairly than for present. His uncooked ache appeared to circulation straight from his coronary heart into his voice, and he was given a rousing standing ovation by the viewers. I nonetheless really feel goosebumps.

“Judy” was an impressive instance of the power of the GMCW to ship intimate performances in addition to grand, full-chorus affairs. Sadly, it was a one-night solely run, however I strongly encourage readers to attend an upcoming efficiency of GMCW. I’m certain that you’ll not depart dissatisfied!

Working Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.

“Judy” ran on one evening solely on October 22, 2022 introduced by the Homosexual Males’s Refrain of Washington, DC at The Vault, Capital One Corridor, 7750 Capital One Tower Highway, Tysons, VA 22102. For data on upcoming occasions by GMCW underneath the course of Dr. Thea Kano, click on right here.