THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

The Combined Choruses opened the concert with the dirge-like processional 'Veni Emmanuel,' but they shone through on the big finish of 'Triumphant Light.' 'Hanerot Halalu,' performed by the Windy City Gay Chorus suffered from poor enunciation, although their renditions of songs from Vivaldi's Gloria were appropriately exuberant and festive.

'The First Noel' was the first of the evening's sing-along-songs. The next time there is a sing-along they either need to turn the lights up higher in the Harold Washington Library Auditorium or use larger type in the program. Dressed in matching iridescent copper vests, The Windy City Slickers, long considered to be the source of the WCPA's most humorous numbers, began on a serious note with 'Star of Wonder' and 'I Wonder As I Wander' (on which they were joined by soprano Gillian Kelly). Donning antler headpieces, the Slickers performed 'Rudolph Revisited,' an amusing tune full of innuendo, name-calling, a seduction by Santa, and Rudolph 'going down' in history.

There was a pleasant blending of voices when Unison: Windy City Lesbian & Gay Singers sang Handel's 'For Unto Us A Child Is Born' (from Messiah). The soothing 'Mary's Lullabye' and the slow-motion bloom of 'There Is A Flower,' a pair of compositions by John Rutter (featuring 'lyrical melodies' and 'poignant lyrics') followed. The first act closed with Paul Bassler's 'Alleluia,' which was performed as intended with accompaniment by French horn played by Elizabeth Deitemeyer and percussion by Cole DeGenova.

Some of the previously promised fun occurred in the second act, in which the Combined Choruses appeared onstage wearing brightly colored holiday outfits and sang 'Silver Bells.' The second sing-along was lead by auction-winning guest conductor Jonathan Abarbanel, the theater editor at Windy City Times. After sharing an amusing anecdote about a childhood version of 'Deck The Halls,' he conducted the audience in singing the song, which featured strong emphasis on the word 'gay' and the 'join the chorus' line.

Unison's return to the stage was marked by the light choreography of the opening number 'Carol Of The Bells' (which included the members facing different directions) and the near gospel fervor of closing number 'Joy.' 'Pretty Little Dolly,' which featured boys singing about wanting a doll for Christmas, was the highlight of the Slickers' reappearance.

Following the third sing along ('Jingle Bells'), Windy City Gay Chorus's rendition of 'It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year' was suitably wonderful, although their lukewarm attempt at rocking with 'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree,' left something to be desired. The concert closed with a sung and signed 'Silent Night.'