2014, Part 1: Love Bites: Down the Hatch

A quartet croons "CAMPALOT". All photos by Pax Ahimsa Gethen.

Love Bites: Down the Hatch, the 11th Annual Anti-Valentine's Day Cabaret, Martuni's, February 2014.

This was our latest edition of this now annual and much anticipated cabaret that our former Artistic Director, Stephanie Lynne Smith, began and brought to life as an annual fundraiser for the chorus. It has always been one of the most successful series of shows that the chorus has presented.

This show began with our AD, Billy Sauerland, and Tom McElroy singing Neil Diamond's "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" which was followed by Scott Turco singing Rufus Wainwright's "The Art Teacher."

Next our talented and lovely Catherine Dunford sang Tom Lehrer's "I Hold Your Hand in Mine" and this was followed by the equally talented and lovely Paul Michael Alves giving his all in "At Last." Etta James eat your heart out.

Next up was John Gullotto performing Cole Porter's questioning song "What is This Thing Called Love?" and then came our own girl group trio of Yolanda, Linda and Lisa Vogt performing Carole King's "One Fine Day." Lots of fun to hear when these three get together.

Next was something a little bit different. This was CAMPALOT: A LGCSF spoof on the famous Broadway musical "Camelot." There were five songs from the musical performed and first was Billy singing about the "Simple Joys of Maidenhood," followed by Paul as King Arthur warbling the title song "Camelot." Then came a quartet if Jason LeBrun, Tom, Billy and Scott saying "Then You May Take Me to the Fair." This was followed by our lovely soprano Rachyl Underwood performing "If Ever I Would Leave You." Finally, Billy sang "I Loved You Once in Silence."

Next from the Broadway musical "Road Show" another trio of Dale Danley, Yolanda and Fernando Ruelos sang "The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened" composed by Stephen Sondheim.

The next song to be performed was by a quartet of Pax, John, Fernando and our wonderful manager, Alyssa Stone, singing "This Plum is Too Ripe" from "The Fantasticks."

To close out this wonderful and fun night of music there was an audience sing-a-long. This was a parody by Alyssa and others who wished to remain anonymous of "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music." Our take on this was "My Favorite Gays" and it went like this.

Lesbos in Castro and dykes in Potrero
Lipsticks and butches who worship Home Depot
All of the homos who love to Partay
These are a few of my favorite Gays

Twinks in pink hot pants and trannies in hot swag
Scene-sters at Gold's Gym and tall queens in full drag
Leather-clad Bears with their junk on display
These are a few of my favorite Gays

When I'm single (aka always)
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite Gays

And then I don't feel so bad!

Next week will be all about our show Swing Break: an Evening of Big Band and Chorus Music with City Swing. See you all at our first rehearsal on Thursday.

Cheers and love, Michael Lucero