Providence Gay Men's Chorus :: 'What a Difference a Gay Makes'

The Providence Gay Men's Chorus dazzled audiences at Rhode Island College with their latest show, "What a Difference a Gay Makes." The performances on June 15, 17, and 19, 2011 were held to coincide with the state's Gay Pride celebration.

The show featured songs either written or performed by gay and lesbian artists.

The musical selections were diverse, ranging from disco classics such as "It's Raining Men" and the Village People's classic "Y.M.C.A." to show tunes including "I Am What I Am" from "La Cage Aux Folles."

The chorus, under the direction of Teresa Coffman, showcased their versatility and talent.

Featured vocalist Nicholas Everage did a spirited take on the Diana Ross classic, "I'm Coming Out."

An affectionate tribute to the Culture Club hit, "Karma Chameleon," featured Mark Lefavour, Carlos Vega, and Trevor Shepard dressed as members of the band.

There were also passionate renditions of Broadway standards, including "Somewhere" from "West Side Story," "Seasons of Love" from "Rent," and "One" from "A Chorus Line." The latter featured choreography performed by Jonathan Beebe, John Beaudreau, Chris Maxwell, Di Di Saronno, and Trevor Shepard.

Karl Doerflinger and David J. Lombardi had stellar vocals on the k.d.lang classic, "Constant Craving."

Lombardi also excelled on Elton John's "Someone Saved My Life Tonight."

What made "What a Difference a Gay Makes" unique was the social consciousness on display. 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the first diagnosis of AIDS. The chorus paid tribute to victims of the AIDS epidemic with the songs "In My Life," written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and "Jonathan Wesley Oliver, Jr."

An overhead screen displayed photos of those whose lives have been lost to the disease, as well as AIDS marches and advertisements.

The final performance of the evening was "The Show Must Go On" by Queen, whose flamboyant lead singer Freddie Mercury succumbed to AIDS in 1991.

Images of gay teens who either took their own lives or were murdered were flashed on the overhead screen. It was a tremendously powerful way to end an evening of music.

The PGMC is celebrating their 15th year. In 2008, the chorus performed at the International GALA Festival in Miami. Next year, they hope to perform alongside 75 other GLBT choruses from around the world in Denver, Colorado.

For more information about the Providence Gay Men's Chorus, go to www.provgmc.org.