Heartland Men’s Chorus and Broadway show tunes… the two go together like Rodgers and Hammerstein. Who better to perform bits and pieces of more than 80 musical classics than Kansas City’s gay men’s chorus! At the Folly Theater June 10-11, Heartland Men’s Chorus presents “Show Tune Showdown,” a continuum of Broadway musicals from 1900 to today. In the second act, it’s a veritable mash-up of sing-along and game show as audience members are invited to stage by a game show emcee to compete for prizes and show their musical knowledge of the Great White Way.
Since Heartland Men’s Chorus’ founding with 30 singers in 1986, they’ve been known for offering audiences something they can’t get anywhere else, from slightly skewed holiday jingles to master choral works and many genres in between. Even from humble beginnings, a fine choral performance has been their main product. But it is truly social justice that is their DNA. After all, the chorus began when the LGBT community was under attack from all sides. They offered a safe space for singers and audience members alike to create and consume art without fear or derision.
So bring up those lights, it’s time to brush up on your Cats as you say Hello to Dolly, but don’t be too Wicked to the Fiddler or the Phantom! The curtain is rising on “Showtune Show Down” at the Folly Theater this June 10th and 11th. Purchase your tickets soon at hmckc.org/tickets or call 816-931-3338 because this show promises to be a sellout. After all, when it comes to Broadway musicals, you’ll have a gay ol’ time with Heartland Men’s Chorus!
