2023 Disney PRIDE in Concert

DISNEY PRIDE IN CONCERT

presented by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida with Artistic Director, Gabe Salazar

Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 8:00 pm, and Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 3:00 pm in the Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Family engagement support provided by

PRODUCTION

Anthony Cabrera – Assistant Conductor

Edwin Neimann – Principal Accompanist

Christopher Toth – Accompanist

Francois Ratzel – Choreographer

Joseph Fletcher – Costumes & Wardrobe

Bruce Anderson – Costumes & Wardrobe

James Smith – Production Director

Don Thompson – Assistant Production Director

Michael Jacobsen – Production Assistant

Tom Michalak – Production Assistant

Charles Robinson – Production Assistant

Diablo Sound – Sound Design

GUEST CONDUCTORS

Saturday’s performance – Paul Rolli from Wilton Manors City Commissioner. Sunday’s performance – Matthew Patterson from Coral Reef Senior High School.

ORCHESTRA

Piano: Edwin Neimann

Keyboard: Kevin Combs

Violin 1: Gabriella Marie Martinez

Violin 1: Emin Huseynov

Violin 1: Dina Bikzhanova

Violin 2: Mario Zeleya

Violin 2: Caleb Salazar

Violin 2: Yasmary Marquez

Cello: Aaron Merritt

Cello: Stephanie Jaimes

Flute: Robert Billington

Clarinet: Christine Pascual-Fernandez

Oboe: Marco Navarrete

Trumpet: Luis Pulido Orjuela

Trombone: Jhonder Salazar

Horn: Javier Aragon

Horn: Ramon Valero

Horn: Jeff Chapman

Harp: Melody Stein

Accordion: Luis Rodriguez

Bass: Julian Rauh

Percussion: Felipe Diaz

Drums: Teresa Flores

Percussion 2: Julian Fernandez

THANK YOU

Reverend Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister, Reverend Robert Griffin, Executive Minister, and Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager at Sunshine Cathedral.

M. Tate Tenorio, Theater Manager at The Parker. Brian Gauci, ASL Interpreter.

Season 13 would not have been possible without help from our incredible Media Partners:

Book developed and produced through generous support from:

Diversity makes for a better cocktail party.

What a joy, honor, and privilege to have you as our guest for this special concert! This concert holds special significance for all of us, as it serves as a beacon of hope, resilience, and joy during times that have tested our collective spirit. Through our music, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has always sought to create inclusive experiences that embrace diversity, foster acceptance, and empower individuals to express their true selves without fear or judgment. We sing to defend the liberties of LGBTQ+ people, and we firmly support the drag community, whose artistic expression is under attack. Now, more than ever, GMCSF’s mission of equality holds profound importance, and our commitment to it burns brighter than ever.

The songs we will perform in this concert celebrate the diverse stories and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. They remind us of the beauty of selfexpression, the courage to be our authentic selves, and the importance of embracing love in all its forms. From the stirring melodies of “Circle of Life” to the empowering anthem “Let it Go” to the beautiful ballad “God Help the Outcasts,” each note carries a message of empowerment, resilience, and acceptance.

We want to thank you from the depths of our souls for your continued generosity and commitment to our chorus. Your belief in our mission fuels our determination to create meaningful musical experiences and foster and more inclusive society. Thank you for being the pillars of support that sustain our chorus and for joining us on this extraordinary journey of music, love, and PRIDE!

AN OCEANSIDE OASIS

STAY, PLAY, MEET AND EAT JUST STEPS FROM THE BEACH

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA (GMCSF)

Mission: We sing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences that inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts, and affirm our common humanity.

Vision: A diverse world united.

GMCSF brings live music and entertainment to the community through large-scale, main-stage concerts in high-profile venues, community-based engagements, and volunteer projects. More than 20,000 people are inspired and moved each year by the Chorus’s music, community outreach, and mission, making GMCSF a significant LGBTQ+ nonprofit service organization and cultural asset in the heart of South Florida. With more than 170 singing members, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is the southeastern United States’ largest gay men’s chorus and one of the country’s ten largest nonprofit LGBTQ+ choruses.

Our members are a community of diverse, intergenerational, and multicultural singers dedicated to our mission and a better future for all people. Being a member of the Chorus is not just about singing. It is also about being good role models for our youth, giving back to the community, and offering a helping hand to those who need one. GMCSF serves communities with live music and entertainment in Broward, Miami Dade Palm Beach counties and more!

GABE SALAZAR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Gabe Salazar is an enthusiastic and experienced conductor, tenor, and music educator skilled in fostering the artistic development of musicians from all backgrounds of life. Gabe brings to GMCSF 15 years of professional experience in the choral conducting field and as a performer. Gabe completed his Master of Music degree in Voice at Lee University with further studies at California State University, Fullerton. His professional career has included serving as the Director of Music for United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks in Thousand Oaks, California; the Director of New Life Singers and a member of the Voice Faculty at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ; performing as a staff singer for the Chicago Symphony Chorus as well as the Pacific Chorale in Costa Mesa, California; and as Choral Director at the Champs Charter High School of the Arts in Los Angeles and Osceola County School of the Arts in Kissimmee, Florida. During his last position, the choral program doubled in size in one year and won numerous awards at festivals and competitions.

In March 2019, Gabe made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut with his Chamber Singers. The group won a prestigious competition to headline a concert in the worldrenowned Isaac Stern Auditorium. Gabe is thrilled to be the new artistic director for GMCSF and looks forward to building the ensemble’s future with the members, volunteers, and staff.

ANTHONY CABRERA, ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR

Anthony Cabrera is the former Artistic Director of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, serving them for 14 years. Under his leadership, the chorus has introduced groundbreaking choral works for men’s voices (Through the Glass Darkly 2010, Alexander’s House 2013, and I AmHarvey Milk 2016), dealing with issues integral to the story and history of the LGBTQ+ community. The chorus also saw the development and expansion of the MGMC South Florida Choral Festival, which, for five years, featured over three hundred singers representing a broad spectrum of communities in South Florida.

Cabrera is the Assistant Director of Music Ministries at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), where he is also the Minister of Liturgical Arts. He is a singer with the Chancel Choir and CGCC’s professional vocal ensemble in residence. He is the Choral Director at the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy—Miami Dade County Public Schools’ single-gender public preparatory academy for girls. He also teaches Humanities, AP Music Theory, and AP Human Geography and is the school’s Director of Student Activities.

Anthony is the conductor for TROPICAL WAVE, the vocal ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida designed for special service performances and when a venue has limited space for the entire chorus. They are also frequently showcased in mainstage concerts and community events.

GUEST CONDUCTORS

Derek Barbara

Jorge A Bernal-Geschier

Mark Blackburn

Fred Boykin

John Chaffin

Mun Wye Chng

Sandy Allen

Anthony Cabrera

Mun Wye Chng

GMCSF SOLOISTS

Felix Fidelibus

Dion Grace

Rafael Gragert

Colin Ludlow

Ginny McCulloh

A.J. Mendini

Steven Patterson

David Pfeffer

Francois Ratzel

Jonathan Sanz

Patrick Simonelli

Larry Small

SPEAKERS

Dean Hitsos

Gregory Johnson

John Lewis

Andrew Stephens

Don Thompson

Johann Torres

Kely Van Eaton

Rashad Webb

Clayton Paterson

Louis Silvers

Bill Spinosa

PAUL ROLLI Wilton Manors City Commissioner

Matthew Patterson Coral Reef Senior High School

Be Inclusive.

Chris Caputo, Wilton Manors City Commissioner

“Holy Cross provides a holistic solution to my healthcare needs and affirms and respects the LGBTQ community. I am always treated with dignity, respect and compassion by qualified healthcare professionals.”

- Chris Caputo

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida would like to thank the following individuals for contributing to our success and making our music possible:

Artistic Director Gabe Salazar

presented by DENNIS ST. JEAN

Concert Production

presented by THE WARTEN FOUNDATION

Assistant Conductor Anthony Cabrera

presented by J. MARK KASPER

GMCSF Orchestra

presented by HAL NOBLE & DOUG PEACHEY

Tenor One Section

presented by Fred Boykin and the members of the TENOR 1 SECTION in honor of Doug Ferguson, Section Administrator

Baritone Section

presented by KERRY WALDEE & JOSEPH FLETCHER, TONY MINELLA, JAMES MALLON & PAUL GUARIGLIA in honor of Joseph Fletcher, Section Administrator

Tenor Two Section

presented by BILL SPINOSA

In memory of Neal Sinha, and by DON THOMPSON & MICHAEL PING in honor of Rick Heal, Section Administrator

Bass Section

presented by CHUCK PANOZZO, co-founder of Styx, and by the members of the BASS SECTION in honor of Aubrey Williams, Section Administrator

Fidel Aburto Eric Alayon Sandy Allen Bruce Anderson Reynaldo Araque

David Baier

Derek Barbara

Bob Beaulieu

Jorge A Bernal-Geschier Miguel Bernard-Rivera

Peter Bisuito Mark Blackburn

Jose Blanco

Fred Boykin

Christopher Bright

John Burch

Darin Bush Jose Felix Cabrera John Chaffin Mun Wye Chng

Bert Cohen Antonio Corrente Doug Cureton Craig Dannenbrink Zach Dombroski

Craig Fashbaugh

Doug Ferguson

Felix Fidelibus

Joseph Fletcher

Steven Freeman

Richard Fulks

Walter Gardner

Brian Garrett

Jeff Goodwin

Dion Grace

Rafael Gragert David Gray

Sebastian Grijalva

Paul Guariglia Okan Gunay

Rick Heal

Terry Hirsh

Dean Hitsos

Michael Holtzman

Matthew Hoover

David Hopper Jim Houser

John Ison Gregory Johnson

Donald Kasischke

David P. Klos

Justin Knight Herb Knowles Peter Konrath Joseph La Valle

Aaron Lauer Zak Laux

Douglas Leader

John Lewis

David R. Littlefield

Jim Lopresti Colin Ludlow

James Mallon

Ginny McCulloh

Alan McKnight

A.J. Mendini Scott Messenger Eric Miji

Tony Minella Rodrick Minnis

Terry Moore Hal Noble

Adrian Novello

Orlando Ojeda Jorge Ornelas Jr.

Nick Orr

Clayton Paterson

Steven Patterson

Michael Pellicone

David Pfeffer

Michael Ping

Carter Poust

David Ralph

Geordanys Ramirez

Daniel Francois Ratzel

Curtis Robertson

Raymond Rodriguez

Marcus Saitschenko

Jose Santos Jonathan Sanz

Steven Shapiro

Louis Silvers Brent Simmons

Patrick Simonelli

Donald Small

Larry Small

Kevin Smith Bill Spinosa

Dennis St. Jean Jack Stein

Andrew Stephens

Ronny Sucre

William Tedjo Don Thompson

Robert Thompson

Don Tomasello Johann Torres

David Van Cleaf Kely Van Eaton

Neal Vardaman

Rick Vaughan Guillermo Velandia Rashad Webb

Aubrey Williams Tim Yarbrough

Rob Young Eric Ziegler

ACT I

OPENING

Walt Disney Pictures Castle Logo (2006) and When You Wish Upon a Star* Music Themes by Mark Mancina, Leigh Harline, and Ned Washington

PAINT THE FANTASMIC NIGHT

When Can I See You Again? from Wreck-it Ralph Music and Lyrics by Matthew Thiessen, Brian Lee, and Adam Young

You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! from Peter Pan Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn

The Second Star to the Right from Peter Pan Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn

“Imagination” Theme from Fantasmic! Music by Bruce Healey, Lyrics by Barnette Ricci

A Whole New World from Aladdin Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Tim Rice

Zero to Hero from Hercules

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by David Zippel

Try Everything from Zootopia Music and Lyrics by Sia, Tor Hermansen, and Mikkel Eriksen

MAGIC AND PIXIE DUST

The Welcome Song

Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Barr

I’m Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street, U.S.A. from Main Street, U.S.A. Music and Lyrics by Stu Nunnery

Saturday Soloists: Mark Blackburn, Mun Wye Chng, Dion Grace, David Pfeffer

Sunday Soloists: John Chaffin, Ginny McCulloh, Steven Patterson, Don Thompson

The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room from Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me) from Pirates of the Caribbean Music by George Bruns, Lyrics by X Atencio

Grim Grinning Ghosts from Haunted Mansion Music by Buddy Baker, Lyrics by X Atencio

Saturday Soloists: Mark Blackburn, Mun Wye Chng, Dion Grace, David Pfeffer

Sunday Soloists: John Chaffin, Ginny McCulloh, Steven Patterson, Don Thompson

It’s A Small World from It’s a Small World Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow from Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

JOURNEY

Speakers – Mun Wye Chng and Louis Silvers

Go the Distance from Hercules

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by David Zippel

Let it Go from Frozen

Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez Soloist – A.J. Mendini

LAUGHTER IS TIMELESS

I Wan’na Be Like You from The Jungle Book

Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book

Music and Lyrics by Terry Gilkyson

Hakuna Matata from The Lion King

Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice

The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers from Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day

Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo from Cinderella

Music and Lyrics by Al Hoffman, Mack David, and Jerry Livingston

Saturday Soloist – Fred Boykin • Sunday Soloist – Francois Ratzel

You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story

Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman

MY PRINCE WILL COME

Speaker - Sandy Allen

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella

Music and Lyrics by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston

God Help the Outcasts from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

MARY POPPINS

Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Speaker – Anthony Cabrera

A Spoonful of Sugar

Chim Chim Cher-ee

Feed the Birds

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Saturday Soloist – Felix Fidelibus • Sunday Soloist – Larry Small

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

INTERMISSION

ACT II

Circle of Life from The Lion King

Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice

Opening Zulu Soloist - Johann Torres • English Soloist - Rafael Gragert

IT GETS BETTER

Membership Video - Clayton Paterson

Reflection from Mulan

Music by Matthew Wilder, Lyrics by David Zippel

BISTRO BALLET

Monsters, Inc. from Monsters, Inc.

Music by Randy Newman

Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Saturday Soloist – Kely Van Eaton • Sunday Soloist – Andrew Stephens

Dig a Little Deeper from The Princess and the Frog

Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman

Belle Notte from Lady and the Tramp

Music by Sonny Burke, Lyrics by Peggy Lee

Saturday Soloists: Mark Blackburn, Dion Grace, David Pfeffer

Sunday Soloists: John Chaffin, Ginny McCulloh, Don Thompson

Feature Piano Solo - Edwin Neimann

REMEMBRANCE

Speaker – Bill Spinosa

Remember Me from Coco

Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez

Saturday Soloist – Jorge Bernal-Geschier • Sunday Soloist – Jonathan Sanz

“A Tribute to Howard Ashman and Alan Menken”

Speaker - Dean Hitsos

UNDER THE SEA

Selections from The Little Mermaid

Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Part of Your World

Saturday Soloist – Derek Barbara

• Sunday Soloist – Colin Ludlow

Poor Unfortunate Souls

Saturday Soloist – Jonathan Sanz • Sunday Soloist – Patrick Simonelli

Under the Sea

Saturday Conductor – Paul Rolli

• Sunday Conductor – Matthew Patterson

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Membership Video - Gregory Johnson and John Lewis

Shadowland from The Lion King

Music and Lyrics by Lebo M., Hans Zimmer, and Mark Mancini Soloist – Rashad Webb

He Lives in You from The Lion King

Music and Lyrics by Lebo M., Jay Rifkin, and Mark Mancini Soloist – Rashad Webb

WISH

UPON A STAR

Wishes from Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams Music by Greg Smith

When You Wish Upon a Star from Pinocchio*

Music by Leigh Harline, Lyrics by Ned Washington

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella Music and Lyrics by Mac David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston

You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! from Peter Pan Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn

SOMEDAY

Someday from The Hunchback of Notre Dame Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

END

All songs in the program published by Walt Disney Music Company (ASCAP), Pixar Talking Pictures (ASCAP), Wonderland Music Company, Inc. (BMI), and/or Pixar Music (BMI)

*Published by Bourne Company

Footage from TARZAN® ©1999 Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FOR SCORES THE PODCAST

Listen to Disney’s For Scores podcast series, where host Jon Burlingame takes listeners on a magical journey into the world of film and television composers, revealing never-before-heard special moments behind many of today’s most beloved scores.

Disney MUSIC EMPORIUM

Visit Disney Music Emporium (Disneymusicemporium.com) for more collectible Disney Music merchandise.

MARK B. KENT

What is it about “Disney?” I find that when I mention that word to folks, most of them have an immediate reaction that is very unique. A gleeful smile suddenly appears, followed by giddy, giggly energy. Then, they are usually overcome by a dreamy look in their eyes. I love it! I have to confess that I have the same reaction. The world of Disney is truly wonderful and filled with magic.

For many of us, we harken back to a more innocent time when we sat around the television on a Sunday night and watched Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, followed by The Wonderful World of Disney. Remember that? Also, many recall highly anticipated family vacations to a Disney theme park, where the magic we saw on screen leaped into real life. It was …and continues to be …mesmerizing.

We could not be prouder to present tonight’s concert. Here we stand, a group representing the LGBTQ+ community, singing Disney music, right in the State of Florida. Disney has come forward as a true ally for our community, and we feel this is one of the ways we can stand behind Disney. We are grateful for a lifetime of magic, wonder, and awe created by Disney. Tonight’s music and video bring it all together in a most spectacular way.

Performing a concert like this that is relevant and powerful for our community is an example of the vital role GMCSF plays in your life. When we aren’t singing in a mainstage concert, we are busy singing in dozens of community-based performances that bring our messages of love and inclusion to tens of thousands of people. We are honored to serve as the voice of the LGBTQ+ community.

We are a growing organization, attracting more singers and delivering more performances to more people than ever before. This kind of growth and impact requires financial resources. Please join us in our efforts to build a better future for all people by making a tax-deductible contribution. You can use the donation envelope enclosed in this program or online at: gmcsf.org/individual-giving.

Thank you for being at today’s concert and for sharing a couple of hours of magic with us.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Council Chair: Harvey Shapiro

Members: Fred Boykin, Don Croxton, Mike Dager, Dino Georgiou, Gary Hoffman, Gerry Kennedy, John Olson, Bob Pagano, Joe Pallant, Doug Pew, Don Tomasello, Rick Vaughan

Fred Boykin

Tony Corrente

Johnnie Mejia

Tom Nichols

Kerry Waldee

Ronni Arden

Judy Paul

Bob Beaulieu

Bill Spinosa

Michael Foley

Erick Eldridge

Rick Vaughan

Mark B. Kent

Edward Otto Zielke

Doug Leib

Howard Yopp

Board Chair Director Director Director

Board Vice-Chair Director Director

Secretary/Chorus Representative Director

Treasurer Director Director Executive Director Director of Marketing and Sponsorship Office Manager and Bookkeeper Office Volunteer

OUR ORGANIZATION

Tenor I

Reynaldo Araque

Derek Barbara

Andy Barborak

Bob Beaulieu

Mark Blackburn*

Jose Blanco*

Fred Boykin

Christopher Bright

Bradley Bush

Bruce Chartier

Antonio Corrente

Edmound Davis

Chad Edgar

Doug Ferguson

Susan Foley

Michael Gillespie

Rafael Gragert

Matthew Hoover

David Hopper

Fred Johnson

David P. Klos

Douglas Leader

Ginny McCulloh

Mel Meléndez

A.J. Mendini

Nick Orr

David Pfeffer*

Carter Poust

Jonathan Sanz*

Ronny Sucre

Ansel Thompson

Rashad Webb

Tenor II

Fidel Aburto

Christian Andaya

Bruce Anderson

Rafael Baez

Jorge A Bernal-Geschier

Miguel Bernard-Rivera

Stan Bunch

Bert Cohen

Doug Cureton*

Jeff Goodwin

Rick Heal*

John Ison

Peter Konrath

Wayne Laubscher

Aaron Lauer

Zak Laux

Aaron Lockley

Hal Noble

Adrian Novello

Miguelanjel ODell-Perez

Jorge Ornelas Jr.

Billy Parjan

Mike Pellicone

Michael Ping

Eduardo Pinto

Geordanys Ramirez Daniel

Francois Ratzel*

Jason Rawls

Jonathan Ruiz

Louis Silvers

Brent Simmons

Kevin Smith

Robert Smith

Rogelio Snyder

Dennis St. Jean

Andrew Stephens

William Tedjo

Don Thompson*

Johann Torres*

Guillermo Velandia

Baritone

Eric Alayon

Darin Bush

Jose Felix Cabrera

John Chaffin*

Roubik Danelian

Craig Dannenbrink

Guy D’Arcangelo

Zach Dombroski

Daniel Elder

Frank Ferri

Joseph Fletcher

Michael Foley

Jarrod Gac

Walter Gardner

Brian Garrett

Cary Giacalone

Dion Grace*

David Gray

Sebastian Grijalva

Paul Guariglia*

Sean Guerrier-Gac

Craig Hinman

Dean Hitsos

Michael Holtzman

Michael Jacobsen

Gregory Johnson

Ronnie Jones Jr.*

Justin Knight

John Lewis*

David R. Littlefield

Tom Ludwiczak

James Mallon

Scott Messenger

Tony Minella

Orlando Ojeda

Curtis Robertson

Charles Robinson*

Raymond Rodriguez

Larry Rosenberg

Steven Shapiro

Patrick Simonelli

Larry Small

Bill Spinosa

Jack Stein

Stegar Thompson

David Van Cleaf

Kely Van Eaton

Neal Vardaman

Rick Vaughan*

Eric Ziegler

Bass

Sandy Allen

David Baier

Rex Beyer

Peter Bisuito

John Burch

Mun Wye Chng

Craig Fashbaugh

James Ficke

Felix Fidelibus*

Steven Freeman

Richard Fulks*

Okan Gunay

Gary Hill

Terry Hirsh

Jim Houser

Victor Jannett

Bradley Johnson

Donald Kasischke

Herb Knowles

Joseph La Valle

Jim Lopresti

Colin Ludlow

Darryl Marksberry

Alan McKnight

Eric Miji

Rodrick Minnis

Terry Moore

Clayton Paterson

Steven Patterson

David Ralph

OUR ORGANIZATION

Marcus Saitschenko

Jose Santos

Donald Small

Joshua Stuthridge-Heinke

Robert Thompson

Don Tomasello

Michael Valdez

Aubrey Williams

Tim Yarbrough

Rob Young

Non-Singing

Bob Artale

Joe Cannon

Philip Morris

Keith Muller

Umberto Veltri

ARTISTIC TEAM

Artistic Director

Gabe Salazar

Assistant Conductor/ Tropical Wave Conductor

Anthony Cabrera*

Production Director

James Smith

Principal Accompanist

Edwin Neimann

Accompanists

Kevin Combs

Christopher Toth*

Assistant Production Director

Don Thompson

Choreographer

Francois Ratzel*

Costumes & Wardrobe

Joseph Fletcher–Committee Chair

Bruce Anderson

Craig Hinman

Production Assistant

Michael Jacobsen

Tom Michalak

Charles Robinson*

ADMINISTRATIVE

Executive Director

Mark B. Kent

Director of Marketing & Sponsorship

Edward Otto Zielke

Office Manager & Bookkeeper

Doug Leib

Office Volunteer

Howard M. Yopp Jr.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Chair

Fred Boykin

Board Vice-Chair

Kerry Waldee

Secretary & Chorus Representative

Bob Beaulieu

Treasurer

Michael Foley Directors

Ronni Arden

Tony Corrente

Erick Eldridge

Johnnie Mejia

Tom Nichols

Judy Paul

Bill Spinosa

Rick Vaughan

LEADERSHIP TEAM President

Tony Corrente

Vice President

Jonathan Sanz* Secretary

David Pfeffer*

Treasurer

Michael Foley

VP of Community Relations

Kely Van Eaton

VP of Equity, Access & Belonging

John Lewis*

VP of Membership

Bill Spinosa

Section Administrators

John Chaffin*–Tropical Wave

Doug Ferguson–Tenor 1

Rick Heal*–Tenor 2

Joe Fletcher–Baritone

Aubrey Williams–Bass

Risk Assessment Advisor

Dr. Jack Killen

GALA Festival Representative

Bert Cohen

Librarian

Tim Yarbrough

One Voice

David Gray–Editor

Miguel Bernard-Rivera

Proofreaders

John Chaffin*

Larry Small

Volunteer Coordinator

Kris Jarmann

HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Harvey Shapiro–Committee Chair

Fred Boykin

Don Croxton

Mike Dager

Dino Georgiou

Gary Hoffman

Gerry Kennedy

George Kling

John Olson

Bob Pagano

Joe Pallant

Doug Pew

Don Tomasello

Rick Vaughan*

*Members of Tropical Wave, the vocal ensemble of GMCSF designed for special service performances and when a venue has limited space for the entire chorus. They are frequently showcased in mainstage concerts and community events.

DISNEY: AN HOMAGE TO THE PERPETUAL CHILD

“The child is father of the man.” - William Wordsworth

DISNEY FILMS: 1928 Walt Disney introduced the world to its favorite cartoon mouse in the classic short film Steamboat Willie. Nine years later, RKO Sound Pictures produced Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s fairytale. That was the world’s first full length animated film. For generations before today’s computer-based animation, every frame of every Disney film, beginning with Snow White, was hand-painted. Something no one has ever done better than Disney. But that is just the beginning.

After Snow White, princesses abound in the immense Disney library. They evolve over time toward ever-widening inclusivity with later characters like Elsa and Mulan taking on the central hero’s journey role. Simultaneously, fairy tales with less explicitly royal characters like Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, and Pinocchio are told in the same classic format. They are all full of magic characters, seemingly insurmountable obstacles to overcome, concluding with a “happy ever after” ending gift wrapped in clear moral messages.

Yes, Disney’s is a world of fantastic stories filled with heroes, magic, and heartwarming romance meant to bring delight to children. And all that will be visible on stage when the curtain opens on GMCSF’s Disney Pride. Yet, Walt Disney once said, “I do not make films primarily for children. I make them for the child in all of us, whether we be six or sixty.” In a recent CNN online article, Lehigh University Professor of Religious Studies Judith Eicher-Levine expounded: “Because Cinderella’s Castle holds an entire century’s worth of cultural capital, Disney remains an enduring symbol of youth… And childhood is the symbolic crucible in which we forge our notions of the future and the values it will contain.” That guiding vision from Walt Disney makes just about every Disney-themed event truly family-inclusive. Fairy tales are told that evoke both optimistic innocence and moral heroism that speak to a child’s simpler heart while it nourishes adult cravings for a moral compass in an often-fractured world.

DISNEY PARKS: The inspiration for Disney’s classic films holds true for the fairy-tale kingdoms in Anaheim and Orlando. Many in my generation will never forget the childhood anticipation of the opening of Disneyland in California. I, for one, watched every black-andwhite television infomercial chronicling the progress of its construction. I was spellbound! My imagination was fed a hearty fare! It was not until I was 26 that I finally arrived at the front gate of my grade school-era mecca. I confess I was filled with the same simple, childlike delight walking in the entryway as I did when I watched anything Disney offered on the screen in the years between.

Watch parents mirroring their child’s delight at running into Mickey or Snow White or the “princess sisters” from Frozen walking down Disney’s Main Street. It is likely that the world of imagination born decades before, shaped and colored by Disney, never left some secret and powerful corner of their adult brain.

TODAY: Hearing Disney stories and songs from films like Peter Pan [You Can Fly] or The Princess and the Frog [Dig a Little Deeper] and classics from Disney World [It’s a Small World] has the power to awaken soul-cleansing imagination. That is if we heed Walt Disney’s advice: “Never stop dreaming; never stop wishing.” There are many reasons to be grateful for this chance to recapture a fresh look at a world that can be. Is it escapism? Perhaps. It all depends on where we go from there. One person’s escape is another’s recharge. Understand that improbable heroes and heroines facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles equipped with determination are the heart of the matter in the world of Disney. It is time again to recall what it is like to “wish upon a star… and do as dreamers do.” To dig deep and believe it “makes no difference who you are.” We can hear afresh Mulan’s plea: “When will my reflection show who I am inside?’ And take to heart the timeless message that “there’s so much that we share, that it’s time we’re aware it’s a small world after all.” They all speak to the child who, according to Walt Disney and the great 19th century poet, “is father of the man.” In some significant ways, it has made this aging man better.

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in Disneyland by Konstantin Yolshin

DAN CHADBURN AND TOM NICHOLS

Dan Chadburn and Tom Nichols began their personal and musical relationship after meeting in the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington in 1997. They soon discovered a love for instrumental and inspirational songs, creating works that have inspired fans ever since. The couple has sustained their passion for gay men’s choruses, and their impressive credits include songs on two of the award-winning Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington recordings entitled “And in That Moment” and “I Dream of a Time.” In the spring of 2023, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida proudly performed “I Dream of a Time” during our spring concert at The Parker.

Both Dan and Tom possess extraordinary musical gifts. Dan has released several solo albums, including his most recent, Always. His performance venues have included Carnegie Hall in New York, Symphony Hall in Boston, and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Tom is an accomplished singer/songwriter and is beautifully proficient in guitar and piano.

Among Tom’s current responsibilities is his role as a newly appointed member of the board of directors of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. In addition, Tom brings to GMCSF a wealth of nonprofit experience. Since 2014 he has served as the Director of Operations for the Arcus Foundation in New York. Before his service at the Arcus Foundation, he spent 25 years working for international environmental organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, African Wildlife Foundation, and The Heinz Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment.

We are thrilled to have Dan and Tom in our Chorus family. They bring their heart, talent, and financial support to our mission, strengthening our work on many levels.

VIRTUOSI

Our treasured Virtuosi are truly the consummate artists in philanthropy and generosity. Their support substantially sustains the Chorus and helps build our future.

Maestros ($20,000+)

All benefits below, PLUS: Photo and biography in program once each season

Invitation to sit with the Chorus during a rehearsal

Composers ($10,000 - $19,999)

All benefits below, PLUS: Private dinner with GMCSF’s Artistic Director and Executive Director

Featured donor e-blast at least once each season

Customized naming opportunity for the season

Divas ($5,000 - $9,999)

All benefits below, PLUS: Name announced at concerts

Invitations to exclusive Virtuosi events

Invitation to the Chorus’s end-of-year dinne

Producers ($2,500 - $4,999)

All benefits below, PLUS: Concierge ticketing service Invitation to a rehearsal and wine reception

VIP parking at Sunshine Cathedral concerts

Invitations to exclusive donor receptions and events

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE

The Conductor’s Circle is a passionate community of supporters who generously invest in our season, enabling us to spread our messages of love and inclusion through song.

Benefactors ($1,500 - $2,499) Friends and Supporters benefits, PLUS: Priority access to the best seats for our concerts

Supporters ($300 - $1,499) Friends benefit, PLUS: Patron’s Club membership

Introducing THE PATRON’S CLUB

Friends ($1 - $299) Listing in concert program books and GMCSF’s website

The GMCSF Patron’s Club is an annual membership program with an annual fee of $300 ($25 a month). Members of the club get the benefits listed for our “Supporters,” level of giving, dedicated e-blasts that give updates on the chorus and our progress, a GMCSF T-shirt, and access to a special event. GMCSF donors of $300 or more who renew for the season are automatically enrolled in the Patron’s Club.

As of 5/26/2023

VIRTUOSI

MAESTROS ($20,000+)

*Denotes active singing members

Douglas Pew & Donald Croxton, LGBT Trust Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

Dan Chadburn & Tom Nichols

COMPOSERS ($10,000 - $19,999)

Fred Boykin* & Jack Killen

Joseph Fletcher* & Kerry Waldee

Richard & Emilio Quadracci Cabrera, The Windhover Foundation

DIVAS ($5,000 - $9,999)

Ginny Dixon & Gisella Oliveira

William Elliott & David Bacher

PRODUCERS ($2,500 - $4,999)

Ronni & Jonathan Arden

Brock Boyd & Doug Spellberg

Joseph Grano

Tyler Healis

David Jobin & Angel Burgos

Mark Kent & Kevin Daft

Steve Oden & Mike Greer

George “Dan” Prigmore & Marcia Hayes

Harvey Shapiro & Michael Dager, Stronger Together Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

William Spinosa* & Frank Molano

Mimi Pink

Dennis St. Jean*

Donald Tomasello* & Robert Pagano

Richard Vaughan* & Walter Sherman

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE

BENEFACTORS ($1,500 - $2,499)

Anonymous

Gerry Kennedy & Paul Smith

John Klomp & Joseph Brannen

Steven Lutz

Ron MacDonald

Harold Noble* & Douglas Peachey

Murry Stegelmann

Don Thompson* & Gene Ramey

SUPPORTERS ($300 - $1,499)

B.J. Albright & Philip Morris

Christopher Ambs & Scott Clearwater, Charitable Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

Robert Beaulieu*

Steven & Thomas Begert-Clark

Stephen Bender

Rex Beyer* & Nick Meyer

Doug Carl & Sumner Riddick

John Chaffin*

Christopher Chouinard & Harold Rodriguez

Philip Cordell

Antonio Corrente* & Douglas K. Leib

Mark Corsale

Craig Dannenbrink* & CJ Jensen

Broderick Davis

Erick Eldridge

Stephen Ferrante

Melody Fiore

Kenneth Flick & D.C. Allen, No Gay Hate Fund at The Our Fund Foundation

Michael Foley* & Tommy Zhang

Michael Goodman

Therrell Graham & Richard Higgins

(In memory of one of the most genuine people we have ever known, Gregg Bennett. May his memory live on)

Marc Grossman

Carlos Guerra

Gary Hoffman

David Hopper*

Michael Jacobsen* & Bob Thompson*

Carl Jennings & Lawrence Gammons

J. Mark Kasper

Matthew Kent & Brenda Moons

George Kling (Of loving memory)

Gregg Kurek, In memory of George Brown

Jeffrey Lammers & James A. McLaughlin

Warren LeBlanc

Thomas Lenihan & Ian Cohen

David R Littlefield*

Johnny Mejia

Tony Minella*

Orlando Ojeda*

Chuck Panozzo

Judy Paul

Raymond Rodriguez*

Dr. Runar Polluson & Robert Pinsky

Rick Shapiro

Larry Small* & David Burba

Stephen Smith

Constance St. Jean

Ralph Stivali

Fred E. Tokowitz & Gary Hochberg

Michael Valdez* & Jeffrey Thomas

Preston Watkins & Philip Cross

Dr. K. David Weidner & Dr. William E. Gannon, Jr., In honor of Fred Boykin

Raymond Willey

Eric Ziegler* & Ross Kemp

Edward Otto Zielke

Eric Alayon*

Shabnam Alibhai

Christian Andaya*

Anne Anderson

James Antenucci & Jerry Day*

Stephen Barnhart

Charles Beavin

Charles Bell

Alyssa Bennett

Miguel & Ronald Bernard-Rivera

Susan & Jeffrey Bogatin, In honor of Steve Patterson

Robert Boo

Bryon Bowlby & Robert Baldwin

Douglas Braun

Edward Breeden

Richard Brennan & Terrence Brennan

Darin Bush*

Joseph Cannon*

Allan Carp

Cindy Christie

Dorothy Correnti & Lance Miller, In honor of Tony Corrente & GMCSF

Marc Dickerman

Harold Dioquino & Marty Childers

Steven Evans

Michael Fahim

Stephen Fallon

Douglas Ferguson*

Frank Ferri*

Curt Finfrock

Andy Fischman

Tim Flenner & John Lee

Peter Flyzik & William Beck

Steven Freeman*

Matthew Freeman

Zachary Freeman, Happy holidays, daddy!

Kathy Friend

Brian Garrett*

Virginia Gascoigne

Doreen Gauthier

Constantine Georgiou & Bryan Blevins

Jack Gerard

Cary Giacalone* & Kris Jarmann

Michael Gillespie* & Tom Gutman

Bruce Gottsch

Deborah Graham

FRIENDS ($1 - $299)

Peter Grossman & Lawrence W. Timmins

Karen Hartnett

Steven Herman

Doris Herrera-Pol

William Hines

Terry Hirsh*

David Hohimer

Richard Huitema

Walter Jackson

Valerie Jacques

C.J. Jensen

David Jobin & Angel Burgos

Bradley Johnson* & Wayne Laubscher*

Fred Johnson*

Michael Johnson

Hillary Josephs

Kevin Kane & Keith A. Smith

Robert Kay

Faith Keady

Mark Kight & Robert Morrow

Greg Kubiak

R. M. Kurlander

Robert Lee

Charles Leib

John Lewis* & Louis Hemmerich

Robert Lindsay

Donald LoCascio & Robert L. Murphy

Dorothy J. Lombardi

James Mallon*

Ken Manford

Derek Mann

Joseph Mannino

Erwin Mayer

Brian McComak*

Virginia McCulloh*

Georgia McGill

Betsy Melamed

Michael Mendillo

Melanie Merriman

Bob Miller

Keith Muller & Stephen J. Pescia

Volkmar Neeb

Edwin Neimann

Antony Nenopoulos

Patricia Opper

Jorge Ornelas, Jr.*

Dianne Orr

Alan Parshley*

Stein Pederson

Caroline Pfeffer

Roberta Phillips

Michael Ping*

Patricia Purtell

Patrick Quillen & Bert Cohen*

Michael Randich

Asa Ratliff

Terry Regnier

Lee Rickles

Rhonda Ritchie

Irwin Rosen

Daniel Rosenblatt Foundation

Kenny Russell

Parivash Russell

John Russo

Richard Sacher

Marcus Saitschenko*

Gabe Salazar

Richard Sanders

Thomas Santaniello

Jose Santos*

Jonathan Sanz*

Kim Nickelson Sguros & Louis Sguros

Richard Shapiro

Jeff Sigler

Henry Smith & William Sandrik

Van Stewart

John Stull & Michael Bracchi

Novlet Tapper

Karl Trappe

Dannielle Vizzini, Hair By Dannielle & Co.

Jerry Vroegh

Troy Watson

David Welsh

Pamela Whitman

Sharon & Edwin Wigutoff

Jay Wiley

Michael Williams

Stanley Wilson

Robert Wilt & Orlando Santiago

Tim Yarbrough*

Howard Yopp, Jr.

Daniel Zeugin

WE’VE COME SO FAR IN OUR LIFETIME

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going! So many of us recall when television would never show two people of the same gender sharing a kiss… or holding hands. Now we live in a time when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. We’ve accomplished so much, yet there is much more to do. Since the late 1970s, the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement has been a crucial tool for advocacy, unity, and education. GMCSF is proud to continue this legacy through our music. We are pleased to serve as cultural ambassadors for our community and provide a voice for those who do not have one. Help ensure this work continues by joining The Pegasus Society’s planned giving program. In addition, by including GMCSF in your estate planning, you can help sustain our organization and keep our voices carrying long into the future.

We invite you to join the members of The Pegasus Society today. If you would like to amend your current estate, contact Mark Kent at: (954) 763-2266 ext. 109 or mkent@gmcsf.org. Establish a Legacy Fund with our community partner Our Fund Foundation, contact Mark Blaylock at 954-565-1090 or email MBlaylock@Our-Fund.org.

MEMBERS

Bob Pagano

Charles Nicoll

Charles Walter

Christopher Chouinard

Don Tomasello

Donald Croxton

Doug Pew

Fred Boykin

George King

Gerald Kennedy

Jack Killen

John Burch

Mark Benson

Robert Benson

Marty Kaplan

Mitchell Grant

Paul Guariglia

Paul Smith

Peter Kimball

Robert Beardsley

Ralph Stivali

WITH LEGACY GIVING, WE ENSURE THAT A DONOR’S EXPRESSED VALUES + WISHES ARE ALWAYS MET.

JACK B STEIN, LCSW, PhD

jbstherapyandcoaching.com

(954) 231-4134

SEASON 14 AUDITIONS

REGISTER: GMCSF. ORG GMCSF.

7/8 8/12 8/15

A LOOK BACK ON SEASON 13

THANK YOU TO PHOTOGRAPHER GINNY DIXON