Follow the stories of three notional ‘couples’ who get married and then ask What Now?(!) on several issues – divorce, adoption, bullying, old age and more. Where are we now? Where do we go from here? What are the key next steps towards full equality?

Enjoy songs from composers such as Joni Mitchell, Stephen Sondheim, Nina Simone, Rufus Wainwright, Avril Lavigne, Macy Gray, and Randall Thompson, as well as a newly commissioned work from Jeff Bowen of ‘Title of Show’ fame.  Interspersed will be speeches from key advocates as well as an excerpt from “8″—a new play on marriage equality by Academy-award winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, chronicling the landmark Prop 8 trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger.

What Now?(!) will be hosted by activist and commentator Joan Garry, who will stop the artistic action from time to time to point up the key issues.

Wednesday June 27, 2012 8PM at NYU’s Skirball Center

NEW YORK CITY GAY MEN’S CHORUS presents

BIG GAY SING 4

WITH GUEST STAR BROADWAY’S ACCLAIMED Jackie Hoffman

Come sing-a-long with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus

Enter the Big Gay Idol Competition to Win a Solo with the Chorus

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 and SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 8 P.M. AT THE SKIRBALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

New York, New York – February 29, 2012 – Following three years of sell-out performances, New York’s favorite gay choristers, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC), are bringing their hugely successful Big Gay Sing back to audiences, promising an even bigger, gayer and more fabulous extravaganza than the first three combined. Big Gay Sing 4 features even more sing-along fun, along with the inspired insanity of Obie and Theater World Award winner and Broadway funny woman Jackie Hoffman (Hairspray, Xanadu, The Addams Family) as special host and featured performer.

Throughout the show lyrics will be projected on a screen above the chorus. Audience members are encouraged to ‘follow the bouncing ball’ and sing along. Hot hits by Adele and LMFAO mix with classics by Tina Turner, wacky and memorable TV theme songs and for just a special touch of class, a selection from Bizet’s Carmen add up to an indescribably pink, fluffy, fun-filled evening.

Tickets range from $42-$67 and are available online at www.nycgmc.org, by phone at Ovation Tickets: 212.352.3101, and in person at NYU Skirball Center, Tuesday-Saturday 12noon-6:00pm.

For anyone of any orientation who’s ever wanted to sing on a New York stage, the popular Big Gay Idol competition returns this year, allowing aspiring singers to compete to sing a solo with the Chorus at the concert!  Entrants are asked to submit a video audition by March 11, 2012. Finalists will perform in the concert competing for the opportunity to sing Adele’s smash hit, “Someone Like You,” with the handsome men of NYCGMC as the ultimate back-up singers! The audience will vote on the winners. Complete details are available on the NYCGMC website.

“New York is a city of singers and we are offering a glamorous and glittery evening where everyone can let out their inner diva,” said Charlie Beale, NYCGMC’s Artistic Director. “We’ll have a mix of top chart hits, diva medleys, some classic opera, Idol contestants, a full house of fabulous New Yorkers, and of course, more than a little campy humor.” Beale adds, “Big Gay Sing 4 is SO gay; it will make Priscilla Queen of the Desert look like the Super Bowl.”

NYCGMC will also hold a pay-what-you-like preview performance of BGS4 on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2p.m. in The Crystal Ballroom of The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ. This show will feature special guest star Fredi Walker-Browne, RENT’s original Joanne. At pre-show and intermission the chorus  will hold a fundraising silent auction with amazing items from theater companies, arts organizations, restaurants, businesses, and LGBT-owned and operated establishments.

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus’ 2012-2013 season is made possible with the generous support of American Airlines, the Office of New York State Senator Tom Duane, The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, United Way of New York City, HHC Marketing, Mark Nelson Events, and Next Magazine.

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Listing information:

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus presents Big Gay Sing 4,  Friday, March 16^th and Saturday, March 17^th, 2012, Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, NYU (566 LaGuardia Place, at Washington Square South). Via Subway: take the N/R/W to 8th Street, the A/C/E/B/D/F to West 4th. Tickets range from $42-$67 and are available online at www.nycgmc.org, by Phone at Ovation Tickets: 212.352.3101, and in person at NYU Skirball Center, Tuesday-Saturday 12noon-6:00pm.

DOWNLOADING HIGH-RES PHOTOS: Images of NEW YORK CITY GAY MEN’S CHORUS and JACKIE HOFFMAN can be downloaded from http://www.nycgmc.org/about/media-kit/.

JACKIE HOFFMAN Jackie has starred in the original Broadway casts of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, XANADU and HAIRSPRAY, for which she won the Theatre World Award for Most Outstanding Broadway Debut.  Other Off-Broadway plays include THE TRIBECA THEATRE FESTIVAL, THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE, THE BOOK OF LIZ, for which Jackie won the Obie Award for Best Actress, STRAIGHTJACKET, INCIDENT AT COBBLER’S KNOB (Lincoln Center Theatre festival), and ONE WOMAN SHOE.  Regional Theatre:  THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG at the Globe Theatre.  Jackie starred in six revues at The Second City Theatre in Chicago, where she won the Jeff Award for Best Actress.  Jackie’s solo shows at Joe’s Pub, all directed by Michael Schiralli, have all received tremendous critical acclaim.  Her show THE KVETCHING CONTINUES won Time Out New York’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and was the longest running show in Joe’s Pub’s history.  Other solo shows:  A CHANUKKAH CHAROL, JACKIE FIVE-OH!, CHANUKAH AT JOE’S PUB (Bistro Award), SCRAPING THE BOTTOM, JACKIE WITH A Z.  Jackie won a Mac Award in 2009 for Best Female Stand-Up. She can be seen is the films:  THE SITTER, THE EXTRA MAN, HOW TO SEDUCE DIFFICULT WOMEN,  A DIRTY SHAME, GARDEN STATE, LEGALLY BLONDE II, KISSING JESSICA STEIN, MO’ MONEY. Her television appearances have included  RAISING HOPE, MELISSA AND JOEY, ON WE GO (Pilot), 30 ROCK, STARVED, HOPE AND FAITH,  CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, STRANGERS WITH CANDY, TV FUNHOUSE, LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O’BRIEN, SOULMAN, COSBY, as well as voices for the cartoons DILBERT, PB & J OTTER, and the film ROBOTS.  Her comedy album, JACKIE HOFFMAN: LIVE AT JOE’S PUB is available at psclassics.com.

NEW YORK CITY GAY MEN’S CHORUS (NYCGMC) is an auditioned, 200-voice male chorus serving the gay community and the greater community by performing classical and contemporary choral music as proud and openly gay men. In addition to a regular concert series, NYCGMC also performs at a variety of local and tri-state area functions, benefits and performances. For more than 30 years, the NYCGMC has sung to standing room only audiences in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Halls. Unanimously acclaimed by America’s leading music critics, the Chorus has sung with some of the brightest stars; commissioned and premiered many major works; made celebrated television appearances; and sold recordings worldwide. The NYCGMC serves the community through education and AIDS outreach programs. Youth Pride Chorus, a program of NYCGMC and the first program of its kind to be sponsored by an adult mentor chorus, is for LGBTQ young people and their allies between the ages of 14-22

Renowned Broadway star Frenchie Davis, heard on Broadway, American Idol and The Voice, will showcase her phenomenal talents. Acclaimed drag performer Ms. Ermine Muff will host and hot New York DJ Bill Coleman will spin his inimitable stamp on the event. YOUTH PRIDE CHORUS (YPC) and members of NYCGMC will also perform. The evening includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a high-end raffle, and a live auction conducted by Christie’s auctioneer George McNeely, assisted by Ms. Muff.

VIP tickets, which include a pre-event champagne reception at 6:30, reserved seating and a special gift, are $275 and $1,250 for groups of five. General admission tickets are $175 each or $750 for groups of five.

“HARMONY is a great night out full of fun, friends and fundraising with our unique musical touch,” said W. Scott Horne, board chairman for Big Apple Performing Arts, home of NYCGMC and YPC. ”We are proud to invite the LGBT community and allies to bring a group, have a drink and a nosh, mingle and enjoy this signature event and iconic venue.”

Listing information:
HARMONY
A musical gala benefiting the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Youth Pride Chorus
Monday, February 27, 2012, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., VIP Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m.
Christie’s, 20 Rockefeller Plaza
Starring Frenchie Davis, Featuring DJ Bill Coleman and MS.ERMINE MUFF
$175 General Admission | $750 Group of Five
$275 for VIP Admission | $1,250 VIP Group of Five
Admission includes Hors d’oeuvres, Open Bar and Special Gift
VIP admission also includes Champagne Reception, Meet and Greet with Special Guests, VIP Gift and Reserved Seating for the Main Show
For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.nycgmc.org or call the Chorus office at 212-344-1777 x 4.

DOWNLOAD PHOTO: Images of NEW YORKCITY GAY MEN’S CHORUS and Frenchie Davis can be downloaded from http://www.nycgmc.org/about/media-kit/.

THE NEW YORK CITY GAY MEN’S CHORUS is an auditioned, 200-voice male chorus serving the gay community and the greater community at large by the performance of classical and contemporary male choral music as proud and openly gay men. In addition to their regular concert series, NYCGMC also performs at a variety of local and tri-state area functions, benefits, and performances. For 30 years, NYCGMC audiences have filled auditoriums including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Halls to standing room only. Unanimously acclaimed by America’s leading music critics, the Chorus has sung with some of the world’s brightest stars, commissioned and premiered many major works, made celebrated television appearances, and sold recordings worldwide. NYCGMC continues to serve the community each day through its education and AIDS outreach programs.

YOUTH PRIDE CHORUS, a free program for LGBTQ young people and their allies age 13-22 and the first program of its kind to be sponsored by an adult mentor chorus galvanizes participants and supporters in the movement for change. YPC concerts feature these young artists in exciting, high-energy performances of classic and current pop, rock, and folk songs, original choreography, and spoken word. Through fun and rigorous weekly rehearsals, YPC singers train in voice, dance, and song interpretation, developing both artistic excellence and leadership skills. YPC typically numbers between 30 and 40 singers.

YPC has recently performed as guest artists at the GLAAD Media Awards, GLSEN’s Respect Awards, Broadway Backwards at Lincoln Center, and with Cyndi Lauper on her True Colors Tour. Youth Pride Chorus is a program of The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. Under the artistic direction of Wes Webb and musical direction of Matthew Fetbrandt, YPC is facilitated by the Center’s Youth Enrichment Services program.

FRENCHIE DAVIS– Finalist from The VOICE, AMERICAN IDOL, Grammy Nominee and Broadway Star

When the notoriously crabby American Idol judge, Simon Cowell, predicts someone could win the competition, then you know you’ve found a special talent. That’s just what the music empire giant had to say about Frenchie Davis during her time on American Idol.

Television once again came calling for Frenchie as she was chosen to compete on the NBC
hit television show “The Voice.” Beating out scores of singers for a coveted spot, Frenchie wowed audiences with her take on “I Kissed A Girl and I Like It” as Christina Aguilera turned her chair and cemented Frenchie’s place on “Team Cristina” and TV history. Show stopping performances of “Put A Ring On It,” “Like A Prayer” and “When Love Takes Over” turned Frenchie into an audience and judges favorite, not to mention a press magnet.

Frenchie’s chart topping musical history also includes several Billboard Dance Chart toppers including “Give Me Tonight” and DJ/re-mixer Tony Moran’s “You Are.” Frenchie is in the process of selecting material for her new album, with plans to include a mix of Broadway, classic hits, dance and some original material. After a successful four year run in Broadway’s “Rent,” Frenchie continued on with national tours of “Dreamgirls” and 30th Anniversary of “Ain’t Misbeavin.”’ costarring with her Idol alum, Ruben Studdard. The latter garnered a Grammy nomination for the cast album.

Frenchie Davis was born in Los Angeles, California and studied musical theatre at Washington D.C.’s Howard University. She has appeared in European productions of “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Other stand out shows include “Sing, Mahalia, Sing” and the Clinton satire musical, “Monica.” She recently starred as the “Fairy Godmother” in “Cinderella” at the Berkeley Playhouse, receiving rave reviews. Frenchie just went before the cameras after being cast in a new comedy film called, “Dumbbells” which also stars Carl Reiner and Tom Arnold.

DJ Bill Coleman / Peace Bisquit– Multi-faceted DJ, producer, remixer, music supervisor, performer, recording artist, writer and influential tastemaker Bill Coleman is renowned for his eclectic taste, acute ear and diverse musical expertise. The tireless “renaissance man” has enjoyed success as a revered music journalist, has written a music column for NYC style rag PAPER, sat on the initial editorial board for OUT Magazine and freelanced for numerous international media outlets. As owner of Brooklyn-based Peace Bisquit, Coleman along with Angelo “Pepe” Skordos, Erin Fairman and Jamie Brundage represent an array of genre-defying artists, producers and songwriters and incorporates A&R consultancy, music supervision, sound design and a record company. As a DJ and sound designer, Bill Coleman is adept at mixing a musical tapestry of varied genres. The much in-demand maestro has sound designed for various fashion shows, art installations and special events sponsored by Nike, Radiohead, Kangol, Vogue, AOL, Marc Bouwer, DIFFA, The Brand New Heavies, World Of Wonder, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Russell Simmons, Imogen Heap, 2-Xist and Bloomingdales. Besides heading up his own popular NYC performance troupe called Daisy Spurs, Bill also finds time to be a member of Grammy winner Jody Watley’s touring band!

Ms. Ermine Muff (of the Connecticut Muffs)–Socialite, reformed debutante and housewife, Ms. Muff is best known as the spouse of the late billionaire furrier, Mr. Eaton Muff, whose famous ad campaign, “Pass the cold Connecticut winters by slipping into an Eaton Muff…  Eaton Muff Furriers of Bridgeport,” is known globally. Tragically, Mr. Muff died as a volunteer for a knife throwing act while attending a supper club. Ms. Muff now fills her widowed days with philanthropic endeavors, specifically that of fundraising for the LBGT community such as the NYC Trinity Place Shelter for LGBT Youth, The Upper Delaware GLBT Center, The Shed Project, New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, AIDS Walk New York, and the American Cancer Society. She has performed and collaborated with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, the Imperial Court of New York, Wigsticks, and the Connecticut Diabetes Foundation. Ms. Muff urges everyone to consider giving generously to the LGBT community either monetarily or through volunteerism.

To celebrate the season, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC), dedicated to “advocat[ing] for equality through song,” under the baton of Artistic Director Dr. Charles Beale, welcomed us, mellifluously and ecumenically, into its “Holiday House of Love,” at Town Hall on December 18. Aaron Dai was the pianist; Rick Rubin signed for the hearing impaired; and a six-piece band; more than a dozen male dancers, playing elves, reindeer, nuns, and so on; and special guest artists joined in the festivities.

NEW YORK CITY GAY MEN’S CHORUS TAKES US ON A TOUR OF THEIR CONCERT, HOLIDAY HOUSE OF LOVE.

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We are pleased to announce that Bishop V. Gene Robinson will be joining us for Holiday House of Love. The Bishop recently conducted the chorus at a 9/11 memorial service at St. John the Divine. Bishop Robinson is the first openly gay man ever consecrated as a bishop in the Anglican branch of Christianity. Along with many other accomplishments he has been particularly active in the area of full civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Working at the state, national, and international levels, he has spoken and lobbied for equal protection under the law and full civil marriage rights. He has been honored by many LGBT organizations for this work, including the Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, GLAAD, and the Equality Forum.

Whatever your spiritual and cultural traditions are, this heart-warming program of holiday harmony promises to be fun, rejuvenating, entertaining and above all, embracing.