VIBRATE

Let me begin with, I know I'm not going to make friends right now. But let's all separate our egos from our art. OK? I'm going to be fair, yet honest. Or at least try to be.

Let's go:

Last night, Michael & I escorted my friend Sam to Vibrate, the New York Gay Men's Chorus' summer show. This was to be my virgin experience to what is a phenomenon to me: A Gay Men's Chorus. I know every city has one...I know.

I found all the middle-aged NYC gays, they're here.

"How was the show ryan charisma, you ask?" Boy you people are dying for me to make enemies. Aren't you? Well, OK - but I won't make it a blood bath just to feed your frenzy. The show opened with yet another version of the overdone "Feelin' Good" - the soloist: Arthur Boston was good. I really appreciated the Music Director's (Charlie Beale) enthusiasm for the evening. Too bad I didn't get that quite as much from the performers. The show continued on with a wide range of sets that consisted of various musical styles. I'll hit some of the highs & lows. Midway, through Act I, there was a version of Satin Doll, the solo was performed by a wonderfully physically fit, yet not quite talented Jeffrey Meyer. He was almost painful to hear, especially for his sustained notes, if it weren't for his hot pecs. Then, immediately following was the overacted rendition of Lush Life solo'd by Michael Morisi. This man can sing, but he tried SO hard to act a song that needs no acting. The words are brilliant and speak volumes alone. Then we moved along to a Rufus Wainwright set which personally, made me want to stab myself in the eardrums. But that's what I bring to the table when we're discussing Ms. Wainwright's music. I can't hear you tell me anything regarding his talent, because all I can hear is whining and moaning. But this, this set of Rufus' music was done by a choir. So it has to be good, right? FALSE. Too bad, I actually liked the soloist for these numbers.

INTERMISSION

More? Is there actually more? YES! Now sit back down and read this. The highlight of the night came with the Youth Pride Chorus did a set of their own. They were inspirational. "Were they good singers ryan charisma?" No, not really. But I forgave them. 1) because they're young and haven't developed a savvy stage craft. 2) because they were out, loud and proud of who they were. It was actually touching to see them onstage. My heart leaped for them. I only wish that when I was a 15 yo stuck in the closet, living in farmland MA, that there was some sort of safe gay performance space for me. I salute this troop and the wonderful people who gave these kids the opportunity.

Now back to the show. The remainder of the show consisted of one show tune quartet which one of the quartet kind of sucked with his timing. A tribute to Africa that went on and on, and on, and on, and on...you get the picture. They brought in what appeared to be a transgendered pianist/soloist: Our Lady J. Eh. She was OK, not stellar. But for some bizarre reason she got her own set. That's fine, but way too much Africa songs. The show ended with Wind It Up which I'm sure the chorus thought was a fabulous number. It really was only mediocre. Really, and not for lack of trying mind you. But, let's face it. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. Some of these guys just shouldn't be on stage. Or shouldn't be singing,

Or both.