Film & Theatre Cruise Features LA Gay Men's Chorus

LOS ANGELES, CA - Members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA members), conducted by Artistic Director E. Jason Armstrong, set sail aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity for Crystal Cruises' highly anticipated 2012 "Film and Theatre Experiences of Discovery" theme cruise from Los Angeles to New York through the Transcanal Passage April 21 to May 8, 2012.

This marks the first time that a gay men's chorus is performing at sea as featured entertainment and is a first-time venture aboard ship for GMCLA, one of the largest and most influential men's chorus' in the nation, hailed for its meaningful entertainment and proclaimed by critics "a musically soaring powerhouse," (Los Angeles Times Magazine), "world class" (Stage and Cinema), and "deeply moving" (Huffington Post). Crystal Cruises was recently named Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" for an unprecedented 16th consecutive year.

"The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles is honored to take part in this cruise," says GMCLA Executive Director Thom Lynch. "We have planned some very exiting and entertaining productions that reflect the chorus' unique artistry and mission to promote tolerance and acceptance though music." During the 17-day cruise, GMCLA will give several performances and will also mingle with guests.

Other prominent "cast" members on the voyage include screen legend Tippi Hedren, a directors' favorite, from Alfred Hitchcock to David O. Russell and Alexander Payne; Broadway star and Emmy-nominated TV actress Kate Burton (Ellis Grey on "Grey's Anatomy"); Broadway star and SiruisXM-On Broadway host Christine Pedi; and Susan Claassen, who portrays in a fascinating biographical performance costume designer-to-the-stars "Edith Head."

Additional speakers include Michael Ritchie, artistic director for LA's renowned Center Theatre Group; USC School of the Cinematic Arts film historian and chair of the Alma and Alfred Hitchcock Professor of American Film Drew Casper; prolific TV producer Chuck Fries; Hollywood stylist and cosmetic artist William Squire; celebrity producer and lecturer Karen Cadle; and Greg Schreiner, owner of one of the world's largest private Hollywood costume collections, many of which will be worn during "Hollywood Revisited-A Tribute in Costume and Song."

During the sun-soaked sailing from Los Angeles to New York, Crystal Serenity will sail through the Panama Canal and includes calls at Cabo San Lucas; Caldera (Costa Rica); Cartagena; Grand Cayman; Ft. Lauderdale; and Charleston.

The GAY MEN'S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES has garnered international acclaim for artistic excellence while remaining deeply rooted in service to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance and acceptance though music.

Founded in 1979 during the emergence of the gay civil rights movement, it is the first gay men's chorus to perform for a sitting president - William Jefferson Clinton. The 230-member choir, which has toured nationally and internationally, has released 15 compact discs, commissioned more than 300 new works and arrangements and has guest starred on such TV shows as "$#*! My Dad Says," starring William Shatner, "Will & Grace" and "Six Feet Under." In October 2010, it produced an anti-bullying musical video message featuring Cyndi Lauper's moving anthem "True Colors" for the "It Gets Better" project, quickly becoming a viral sensation that has received nearly 600,000 hits to date.

GMCLA, which performs at such venues as Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Alex Theatre, and LA Theatre Center, presents several concerts each season in Los Angeles, including its popular annual holiday concert, which this past December featured country music legend LeAnn Rimes.

Additionally, GMCLA has received accolades for its "Alive Music Project" (AMP), a unique music education outreach program designed for high school and college students that uses song to create a powerful anti-LGBT bullying message and also highlights the reality that our community's struggle for equal rights is not only universal, but an issue that has and can affect any group of people who find themselves in the minority

Fares, with $900/person "Book Now Savings," start at just $5,645/person (double occupancy), if reserved by December 31. Fares also include complimentary air from 24 North American gateways (or air credit), transfers to/from airports, and $500/person "All Inclusive-As You Wish" on-board spending credit. A portion of each cruise fare booked through Frosch Classic Cruise & Travel will be donated to GMCLA for the benefit of educational programming, and no solicitation or appeal will be made.

Crystal Cruise's award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray�-viewing, for all world travelers.

For more information on this Film and Theatre Cruise and to make reservations, please contact Deborah Deming at Frosch Classic Cruise & Travel (800) 688-8500 or (818) 936-2000.