HMCKC Presents A Very Merry Christmas Pageant

A VERY MERRY

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT DEC. 2 | 7:30 PM

C. STEPHEN METZLER HALL AT THE FOLLY THEATER

DEC. 3 | 3:30 PM

C. STEPHEN METZLER HALL AT THE FOLLY THEATER

2023-2024 SEASON SHAWN CULLEN

artistic director & conductor

DEC. 10 | 3:30 PM YARDLEY HALL AT JCCC

Heartland Men's Chorus Kansas City presents

A Very Merry Christmas Pageant December 2-3, 2023 | C. Stephen Metzler Hall at the Folly Theater December 10, 2023 | Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College Shawn Cullen | Artistic Director & Conductor

HEARTLAND MEN'S CHORUS SEASON 38 SPONSORS Thanks to our season partners, whose support makes our concerts possible.

Heartland Men’s Chorus applauds the organizations whose logos appear below for their loyal and generous support of our concert programming and mission. We also are grateful to these foundations that invest in making Kansas City a great place to live and explore the arts: Jedel Family Foundation Francis Family Foundation The Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation Geraldine and R.A. Barrows Foundation UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

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heartland men’s chorus

BOARD OF DIRECTORS our mission Through our collective voice we build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity board chair

vice-chair

treasurer

secretary

Richard Barrett

Eric Aufdengarten

Michael Schnetzer

Eric Morey

president of the chorus

Jason Castaneda

board of directors

Michelle Fox | Michelle LaPointe | Chris Madden Kenton McNeil | Jenny Harris-Patterson | Sandy Schermerhorn Michael Seely | Danny Shervington-Bair | Tim Van Zandt

HMCKC COMMITTEE CHAIRS executive committee

board development

Richard Barrett

Eric Aufdengarten

human resources

development

Kenton McNeill

Dudley Hogue

finance

membership services

Michael Schnetzer

Jason Castaneda

Many HMCKC committees welcome participants from outside the Chorus membership to assist with our work. If you have expertise or interest in a certain area and would like to become involved, please contact Dudley Hogue at dudley@hmckc.org.

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from the executive director

DUDLEY HOGUE

Welcome to A Very Merry Christmas Pageant and thank you for your support of the Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City.

At the end of our 37th season, HMCKC made their triumphant return to the Muriel Kauffman Theater at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in over a decade when we presented DISNEY Pride in Concert. This was the largest concert we’ve ever presented, and the entire concert experience was nothing short of magical. There were so many new faces and so much hope in the house as the music of Disney washed over all of us with its magic!

Magic is an incredible concept, isn’t it? It’s defined as “the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces”. Has our organization influenced the course of events in the Kansas City metropolitan area? I’m a little biased, but I think we have! However, it’s the “supernatural forces” that I’m thinking about – because those forces are YOU – our audience members and donors. You are our reason to sing, influence hearts and minds, and change the course of events in our city and beyond.

We’re planning lots of magic with the fabulous season ahead. With today’s pageant, some princes, and lots of pride in store, you don’t want to miss a single concert or event. Our small ensemble, The Heartaches will present their very own cabaret performance in the spring, and you won’t believe the magic we have planned for season 39 and our Ruby anniversary that will be here before we know it!

There are so many ways to give to HMCKC, and gifts of ANY size are gratefully accepted and appreciated because every single dollar counts as we sing to inspire a world of love and acceptance.

Won’t you help us continue the magic? Please give what you can by visiting hmckc.org. As always, reach out to me if you have any questions as we build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity in Kansas City. Together, we can create magic!

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from the artistic director

SHAWN CULLEN

Happy Holidays Friends! I know what you’re thinking- and I’m thinking the same thinghow can we already be here, getting ready to say goodbye to 2023 while awaiting the start of another Heartland Men’s Chorus holiday extravaganza? And what a year 2023 was for HMCKC! Thanks to your steadfast community support of our mission and vision, last year was an incredible year for community connections, growing membership, and the largest audiences in our 38 year history! On behalf of all of our singers, staff, and board of directorswe thank you all for your continued help in creating safe spaces for music with a message to be made here in KC! This season’s main-stage performances are filled with “out-of-the-box” creativity with a few world premieres around every corner! Tonight’s premiere performance of A Very Merry Christmas Pageant is a theatrical parody of all things pageant with a goal of keeping you laughing all the way! Each of our members will be serving up some pageant parody realness as they all become contestants in HMCKC’s first ever holiday pageant. From Shawnee to Harrisonville and Joplin to Power & Light – these sash wearing singers are here to deliver some holiday spirit through melodies, harmonies, and an ugly sweater or two!

In the Spring we’ll be celebrating the male pop stars that have been there for all of us on 8 tracks, cassette, CD, or mp3 with Princes of Pop! We’ll be honoring The Beatles to Freddie Mercury- Earth, Wind, Fire to Michael Jackson – and trust, we won’t be forgetting anyone’s favorite boyband! Our newly auditioned small ensemble, The Heartaches will be taking the Folly stage in May in collaboration with The Folly Theater’s Children’s Series for a world premiere musical adaptation of Scott Stuart’s children book, My Shadow is Pink! By then it will be time for us to help inspire you to raise your voices for justice and equality for all in Rise Up!, stories of perseverance and anthems of pride!

HMCKC will be representing KC alongside The Kansas City Women’s Chorus, Choral Spectrum, and OUTside Voices as we all attend the 2024 GALA Choruses Festival in Minneapolis, MN. We continue to stay grateful to live in a time and place where we can role-model authenticity, serve as a catalyst for changing hearts and minds, and continue the legacy of those that came before us singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance!

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artistic director & conductor

SHAWN CULLEN

Shawn Cullen, conductor, educator and artistic director, has earned a reputation for his dedication to musical excellence and collaborative artistry within the communities he belongs. As a creative producer of over 50 successful concert and theatrical productions, Cullen’s boundary pushing programming has cemented his place as a dynamic artist in an ever changing performing arts landscape. Past creative leadership includes eight years as Artistic Director/Conductor for the Reveille Men’s Chorus, Desert Voices Mixed Chorus (Tucson, AZ) and upon completion of a national search, Mr. Cullen was appointed Artistic Director/Conductor of The Heartland Men’s Chorus in May 2020.

Recognized as an award-winning music educator, Mr. Cullen has held positions in K-12 instrumental/vocal music, adjunct faculty at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music and most recently as Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Cullen’s dynamic skill-set has led to a multifaceted career in choral music, instrumental music, and regional musical theater serving as principal conductor for the Arrizona Repertory Theater from 2011-2017. Favorite credits include Into the Woods, The Secret Garden, Oklahoma!, EVITA, Avenue Q, and The Full Monty” Mr. Cullen has worked in collaboration with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as vocal director for Broadway Rocks and Broadway Rocks II, and most recently Broadway’s Leading Men with the Kansas City Symphony. Mr. Cullen has begun a collaborative producing partnership with David Maddux, Grammy-nominated composer/arranger/orchestrator, to create fresh and exciting pop-choral works for “choral theater” around the globe.

Shawn holds a Bachelors of Music Education and Masters of Music in Conducting from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D (ABD) in Music Education from The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Cullen’s research in music education, undergraduate academic achievement, and conducting pedagogy has been presented at regional, national, and international conferences and symposiums. He recently completed six years of service a proud member of the national board of directors for GALA Choruses (2017- 2023) and is a national community advocate for suicide awareness (Survivors of Suicide). www.shawncullen.com

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at the piano

ROBERT LAMAR SIMS

Born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Selma, Alabama, Robert Lamar Sims holds B.M. and M.M. degrees in piano performance with an emphasis in vocal accompanying and chamber music from University of Maryland College Park. He has extensive and varied experience as a performer, teacher, coach, and director in church, academic, concert, and theatrical settings.

His teachers and coaches include Claudia Faulk, Roy McAllister, Santiago Rodriguez, Bela Nagy, Jorg Demus, Robert McCoy, members of the Guarneri String Quartet, Leon Major, Alcine Wiltz, Richard Crittenden, Timothy Seelig, and Thilde Beuing. Organizations with which he has worked include Friday Morning Music Club, Paul Hill Chorale, Cathedral Choral Society, Washington Opera, National Symphony Youth Fellowship Program, Master Chorale Chamber Singers, and Washington Bach Consort (in the Washington, D.C. area), and Turtle Creek Chorale and the Women’s Chorus of Dallas (in Dallas, Texas). Currently living in Kansas City, Missouri, Lamar continues to be active as a teacher and coach of voice and piano, principal accompanist for Heartland Men’s Chorus, and a soloist and collaborative artist with a variety of performers and organizations throughout the area, including Northland Community Choir, Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, International School of Music at Park University, Kansas City Repertory Theater, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, City in Motion Dance Theater, Byrd Productions, Black Repertory Theater, Kansas City Women’s Chorus, and members of Kansas City Chorale, Kansas City Symphony and Symphony Chorus.

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assistant conductor & accompanist

JONATHAN DORAM

Jonathan is thrilled to join the HMCKC staff as their new Assistant Conductor and Accompanist (August 2022)! He has performed with HMC since 2020 as a chorister, dancer, and small ensemble member. He recently taught as the Choral Director at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and Middle School in Kansas City, MO, and before at Forest Heights STEM Academy in Little Rock, AR. He and his choirs have been profiled in magazines and on TV for their benefit concerts, raising thousands of dollars for various causes such as disaster relief and supporting domestic violence survivors.

His choirs have received Superior ratings at state-level assessments and have performed in venues like the Kansas City Chief’s Arrowhead Stadium and Little Rock’s Old State House. Together, his choirs crafted a vision to be “thoughtful and caring musicians who use music to transform ourselves and the world.”

An active actor, collaborative pianist, and music director, Jonathan has performed and directed numerous theatre productions at multiple venues all over the country, including the Wildwood Performing Arts Center in Arkansas and the Carmel Civic Theatre in Indiana. As a member of several instrumental and vocal ensembles, Jonathan has performed internationally in Italy and Spain and nationally in Washington, California, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. He has also served in an advisory capacity to several organizations, including Teach for America: Greater Delta, the Green Fellowship, Arts KC, Andrews University, and Fountain City Performing Arts.

In his free time, he enjoys writing, reading, and playing tennis. He currently works as an artist model at the Kansas City Art Institute and accompanist at Blue Valley High School. You can find out more about him at his website: jonathandoram.com

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Heartland Men's Chorus is a proud partner of the

KANSAS CITY PRIDE PERFORMING ARTS COALITION

Please support these and all your local LGBTQIA+ organizations.

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a very merry christmas pageant

GUEST ARTISTS

KATIE GILCHRIST (Judge #1) is overjoyed to join the Heartland Men’s Chorus for A Very Merry Christmas Pageant. Recent credits include Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 (Fishtank Theatre); Lungs (Unicorn Theatre); Hedwig & The Angry Inch (Arts Asylum). She recently completed her Consent Forward Artist Training in Intimacy Direction. She is a member of AEA, SDC, the UMKC Alumni Board; the Steering Committee of AIDS Service Foundation, and a Novice in the City of Fountains Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Blessings and joy to everyone this season! www.katiegkc.com MICHAEL TOLBERT “AKA” TAJMA STETSON (Judge #2) has called Kansas City home for the last 15 years. As a classical musician, Tajma holds her Master's degree in clarinet performance. She plays with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and with Kinnor Philharmonic, where for ten seasons has served as principal clarinet. A pageant girl through-andthrough, Tajma has competed many times including at Miss Gay America, where in 2011 she won the Leslie Rage Talent Award, and in 2013 at National Entertainer of the Year where she placed in the top 4. More recently, Tajma reigned as Miss Gay United States in 2019-2020 and as Miss Gay Missouri America 2022. Working to diminish the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS, Tajma serves on the education and outreach committee of KC’s AIDS Service Foundation.

DUDLEY HOGUE (Judge #3) is honored to rejoin the Chorus on stage as a performer in A Very Merry Christmas Pageant! Dudley joined HMCKC in 1993 (before they had age restrictions!

HA!) and has served as singer, choreographer, production manager, event chair, and Board Chair before becoming the Development Director in 2019. In former lives, Dudley was the Executive Director of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, Executive Director of the Kansas City Women’s Chorus, and a member of the national Board of Directors for GALA Choruses.

He continued his national leadership as both Advancement Director and Interim Executive Director of GALA Choruses, during which he helped execute GALA Choruses quadrennial international festivals. Dudley has been on the stages of many community and professional theater organizations throughout the Kansas City region and has served on several not-for-profit boards locally and nationally. He is passionate about LGBTQIA+ causes and what the performing arts can do to move us all closer to equality.

Dudley proudly serves as the Executive Director for the Heartland Men’s Chorus.

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HEARTLAND MEN’S CHORUS KANSAS CITY Presents

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PAGEANT A Holiday Musical Extravaganza

Original Concept by Shawn Cullen Book by Shawn Cullen & Ryan Neeland

THE SETTING place: A theater in the Heartland time: The present synopsis: In the heart of the midwest, the vibrant members of The Heartland Men’s Chorus are preparing to compete in the annual Very Merry Christmas Pageant. This year, they decide to infuse the festivities with their own unique flair, putting together a dazzling spectacle that celebrates love, diversity, and the magic of the holiday season.

THE CAST

(In order of appearance) judge #1 Katie Gilchrist (Folly), Vanessa Severo (Yardley) judge #2 Michael Tolbert "AKA" Tajma Stetson judge #3 Dudley Hogue

pageant competitors The Heartland Men's Chorus

pageant coaching class The Heartaches

contestant #1 Randall Wrisinger

contestant #25 Steven Eubank

contestant #8 Trey Witt

contestant #13 Parker Crist

contestant #37 Venice Santa Cruz

contestant #68 Payton Dishman

the heartaches: Adam Brown, Benji Crow, Benjamin L. DuBois, Payton Dishman, Scott Guerrero, Pete Kuhn, Grant Mayfield, Darrik Moss, Anthony Robinson, Tim Rowland, Michael Schnetzer, Brandon Shelton, Marcus Simmons, Wilson L. Welch, Randall Wrisinger, Samuel Zorn

dancers: John Alden, Matthew Briggs, Russ Czeschin, Jonathan Doram, Payton Dishman, Steven Eubank, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, Eryk Larabee, David Loethen, Anthony Robinson, Venice Santa Cruz, Derek Thompson

instrumentalists: Shawn Cullen | Conductor Jonathan Doram | Assistant Conductor Lamar Sims | Piano/Principal Accompanist Todd Gregory-Gibbs | Synthesizer Cynthia Egger | Electric Guitar (Folly) Forrest Fowler | Electric Guitar (Yardley) Justin Henson | Electric Bass Ian McClaflin | Drums

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MUSICAL NUMBERS ­— INTERMISSION —

Let There Be Light

Gloria

Funky That Hall

solo: Sean Carder (Folly), Wilson L. Welch (Yardley) dancers: Matthew Briggs, Jonathan Doram, Steven Eubank, David Loethen, Anthony Robinson, Derek Thompson

dancers: Matthew Briggs, Jonathan Doram, Steven Eubank, David Loethen, Anthony Robinson, Derek Thompson

Christmas Cheer

dancers: John Alden, Russ Czeschin, Payton Dishman, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, Eryk Larabee, Venice Santa Cruz

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Pageant Coaching Class featuring: The Heartaches

quartet: Justin Perryman, Darrik Moss, Tim Rowland, Samuel Zorn solo: Anthony Robinson, Tim Rowland (Folly), Benji Crow (Yardley),

My Judgiest Things

The Marvelous Holiday Sweater

featuring: Katie Gilchrist, Michael Tolbert, Dudley Hogue. Vanessa Severo (Yardley)

God Bless My Family solo: Steven Eubank

A Very Merry Christmas Pageant Do You Hear What I Hear?

Ose Shalom

Grown Up Christmas List

I Want A Lumbersexual for Christmas

solo: Jeffrey Porter (Folly Sat), Aaron Dawson (Folly Sun), Jonathon Thompson (Yardley)

New Year’s Carol A Super Gay Christmas

And Suddenly

dancers: John Alden, Russ Czeschin, Payton Dishman, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, Eryk Larabee, Venice Santa Cruz

Let Me Be Your Star

solo: Devon Armstrong (Folly Sat), Grant Mayfield (Folly Sun/Yardley), Randall Wrisinger

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the voices of

HEARTLAND MEN′S CHORUS KANSAS CITY TENOR 1 Paul W. Backer ( 1991 ) Robert Bradbury ( 2013 ) Alex Brewer (2022) Sean Carder ( 2018 ) Hunter Chamberlain (2023) Aaron Dawson (2022) James Demaree ( 2021 ) Michael Derickson (2023)  Trevor Drury (2023) ♥ Benjamin L. DuBois (2008) Christopher Gibson ( 1996 ) Daniel Hilliard (2020) R Troy Hirsch (2023) ✚ Randall Humbird (2004)  John Jeppson (2023)  Myke Jones (2023) ♥ Pete Kuhn ( 2019 ) Cole Langford-Braun (2023) Garrett Mahurin (2023) Justin Perryman (2022) Adam Russell ( 2021 ) Timothy M. Ryan ( 2016 ) Venice Santa Cruz (2022) ♥ Michael Schnetzer (2007) Mike Sigler 1992  Michael Smith 2023 ✚ ♥ Wilson L. Welch 2011 TENOR 2  John Alden (2023) Devon Armstrong (2023) Evan Childress (2022) Mike Cox (2020)  Parker Crist (2023) Russ Czeschin (2023)  Storm Davis (2023) ♥ Payton Dishman (2023)  Chance Donaldson (2023) Jonathan Doram (2020)  Steven Eubank (2023) Keith Grahl ( 1986 ) ♥ Scott Guerrero (2022) Raven Harrell (2022) Jacob Horton ( 2019 ) Ma'Riece Johnson (2022) Jerryn Johnston (2022) ✚ Holden Kraus ( 2014 ) Eryk Larabee ( 2010) David Loethen ( 2018 ) ♥ Grant Mayfield (2022) Matthew Miller (2022) ✚ Section Leaders

♥ Darrik Moss (2023)

Brad Norris (2020) Gerald Pegg III 2018 ✚ Bradley Petzold 2022 Jeffrey Porter 2022 Mark Pridmore 2010  Arnav Rashid 2023 ✚ Barry Regenold 2001 ♥ Brandon Shelton 2004 Danny Shervington-Bair 2022 Ron Simmons 2005 Ken Stewart 2019 Jon Tyree 2020 Edward Wunderlich 2017 Mitch Weber 2019 Edward Wunderlich 2017 BARITONE Mike Anderson ( 2017 ) Eric Aufdengarten (2007) Matthew Briggs (2022) Paul Budd (2000) Terry W. Christensen ( 2014 ) Tom Dillon ( 2015 ) Scott Feaster ( 2013 ) Kevin Flesch (2023) David Grantham (2022) Lou Harris ( 1995 ) Chuck Henderson (2007) ✚ Randy Hite ( 1986 ) Ron Hobert (2023) Patrick Kelley ( 1996 ) Rob Kottenbrock (2003) Greg Maupins ( 1998 )  Kyle McGinnis (2023) Bill Mitchell ( 2017 ) Ryan Neeland ( 2012 ) Ezra Ofregnbue (2022) David Pasley (2006) ✚ Mark Patterson ( 2017 ) J.D. Perkins ( 1992 ) Kyle Phillips (2006) Joe Piatczyc (2022) T. Mark Plyler ( 2014 ) Calvin Quattlebaum (2005) Ethan Ritschel (2023) Michael Seely ( 2015 ) ♥ Marcus Simmons (2023)  Kenneth Stewart (2023) Michael Stortz ( 2012 )  Jonathon Thompson (2023) K. Beacher Uptegrove (2007)

Brian Walters (2022) Trey Witt ( 2016 ) Garrett L. Woods ( 2021 ) BASS Mario Alcantara ( 2013 ) Jonathan Bokay (2020) ♥ Adam Brown ( 2014 ) Jason Castaneda ( 2013 ) Daniel Conner (2023) Nick Coyan (2023) ♥ Benji Crow ( 2019 ) Michael L. De Voe ( 2014 ) Steve Dodge ( 1995 ) Logan Edwards ( 2021 ) John Einck (2023) Paul Elo (2000) Scott C. England ( 1998 ) Joshua Farrell (2002) Scott Ferrell-Garcia (2022)  Quintin Foundopoulos (2023) ✚ Dustin Greer ( 2019 ) Darren Haun ( 1993 ) Dennis Hayden ( 1987 )  Seth Langford-Braun (2023)  Justin Lasater (2023) Jesse Leimkuehler ( 2018 ) ♥ Anthony Robinson (2022) ♥ Tim Rowland (2023) John J. Sims ( 1997 ) Derek Thompson ( 2012 ) Randall Wrisinger (2004) Travis Allen Zirkle ( 2015 ) Samuel Zorn (2009) John J. Sims ( 1997 ) ✚ ♥ Randall Wrisinger (2023) Travis Allen Zirkle ( 2015 ) ♥ Samuel Zorn (2009) HEARTLIGHT  Levi Crane (2023) Dan Brown ( 2015 ) Kim Fitch Budd ( 2001) Larry Chester ( 2010) Jason Coats (2006) ✚ Blaine Diaz ( 2010) Jeremy Ingram (2023) Troy Johnson ( 2014 ) Daniel Lebovitz (2022) Shawn Moss (2023)  Bradley Pretzer (2023)

 New HMCKC Member ♥ Member of The Heartaches

The year listed indicates the first year that the member participated in the Chorus.

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THE CREDITS hmckc staff Shawn Cullen | Artistic Director & Conductor Dudley Hogue | Executive Director Lamar Sims | Principal Accompanist Jonathan Doram | Assistant Conductor & Accompanist Mitch Weber | Communications Manager Brandon Shelton | Brand Manager Kelly Michale | Resident Stage & Production Manager

artistic team

folly staff & crew

Kelly Michale | Resident Stage & Production Manager

Lee Saylor, Nic Aldrich, Simon Huntley, Eric Webster, Trace Cruey, Scott McNeal, Dez Martin, Brandy Hersch, Stephanie Ornburn

Nic Aldrich | Resident Audio Engineer Alex Perry | Resident Lighting Designer Sally Farrand | Assistant Lighting Design

contestant sash design & fabrication

Bradley Meyer | Scenic Designer Sally Farrand | Lead Electrician

Elizabeth Conaway, Brandon Shelton, Patrick Smith

Peige Turner | Resident ASL Interpreter Ryan Neeland | Associate Writer/Casting Associate Patrick Smith | Costume and Property Manager Shawn Cullen | Projection Designer Valerie Martin | Choreography Jon Tyree | Rehearsal Resource Coordinator (Audio) Greg Maupins | Rehearsal Resource Coordinator (Video) Piper Brown | Production Assistant Lena Toombs | Production Assistant

instrumentalists Lamar Sims | Piano/Principal Accompanist Todd Gregory-Gibbs | Synthesizer Cynthia Egger | Electric Guitar (Folly) Forrest Fowler | Electric Guitar (Yardley) Justin Henson | Electric Bass Ian McClaflin | Drums

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Shook is proud to support the

Heartland Men’s Chorus.

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OUR FRIENDS

we can’t sing without your support

Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City is the largest LGBTQIA+ cultural organization in the Great Plains. We’ve witnessed so many wonderful changes over our 38 years of singing, yet many challenges still exist, especially in Kansas and Missouri. Only with your support can we continue to make a difference!

ON THE BOOKS OR IN YOUR HEART Despite the progress and setbacks in the Supreme Court or in the voting booth, people make decisions based upon what is in their hearts and minds. That’s why HMCKC creates programming that is musically excellent and socially relevant at a time when people are seeking clarity and understanding of neighbors, friends, family members and themselves.

HMCKC SERVES THE COMMUNITY When Heartland Men’s Chorus sings, the entire community benefits. We have also sung at hundreds of events in support of area non-profit organizations including the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, Literacy Kansas City, UMKC Pride Breakfast and so many more.

It’s not fake news when The Kansas City Star writes: “Heartland Men’s Chorus is one of the most beloved artistic institutions in Kansas City.”

A NATIONAL REPUTATION HMCKC is recognized as one of the premier LGBTQIA+ choruses in the nation from an artistic and administrative perspective. HMCKC is widely respected for its performances at national GALA Choruses Festivals, statewide conferences and performances throughout the region. Being a leading arts organization is only possible with strong commitment from our members, staff and patrons. Thank you for your support of our voices and our mission.

YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL Your tax-deductible contribution can be mailed to: Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City, PO Box 32374, Kansas City, MO 64171-5374. You can also contact us by phone at (816) 931-3338 or by e-mail at hmc@hmckc.org. Even faster and easier is the option to make a secure contribution online at hmckc.org – just click the “Donate” button on the Support page. All donors to the Annual Fund are acknowledged in our programs for a period of 12 months from the date of donation. We strive to keep this list as accurate as possible. If you find a discrepancy, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

JOIN A SPECIAL GROUP OF PEOPLE Conductor's Circle..................$10,000-$24,999 Directors Circle...........................$5,000-$9,999 Benefactor...................................$1,000 - $4,999 Patron...................................................$400-$999 Friend......................................................$25-$399

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�� Inclusive �� High Fun �� Low Cost �� Philanthropic

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FRIENDS of the CHORUS SEASON 38

If you are interested in being a Friend of the Chorus, please contact Dudley Hogue, Executive Director at dudley@hmckc.org.

FRIEND ($25-$399)..............................................................................................................................................

Anonymous+ Fatima Aguirre Joan Albright Michael Anderson Doralee Bader Donna Baggett Kay Barnes Mark Batesel Michael Brecke Matthew Briggs Michael Brunkow Todd Burd Jodi Busch Patrick Cooke Andrew Cotlar Jim Crist Parker Crist Mark Cummings Daniel Cunningham Bradley Debrick Tom Dillon Dennis Dobson Christiane Donner Margaret & Frank Drinkwine Bridgett Duet Jay Dunfield Rebecca Ehrich Laura England Scott England Joshua Farrell Scott Feaster Joy Feeley Jennifer & Doug Fleschute Melinda Frenzen John George Tommy Gray Tom Green Jeff Halpern Tim Hauschild Randy Hite Ben Hohly Jimmy Hoard Scott Holloway Brad Johnson Paula Kitt Nicolas Kral

Holden Kraus Annette Kussmaul Brian Larios Lucas Leshe Jeff Light Belinda Manos Cierra Marzett Sawyer Massie Michelle & Dan McElroy Tim McMulin Mel Minnis Linda Mitchell Bob Myers Rebecca O’Rourke Brian Partlow and Stuart Woody Greg & Sonia Pasley Tim Peters Mark Raduziner Daniel Rice Steve Sanders Karl Schafer Michael Schnetzer Robert Schremmer Mike Shores Judy Simonitsch Kathryn Sitz Thomas Smith Craig Sole Dennis Sondker Mary Stringer Doris Strong Evan Swanson Terre Tepikian Kurtis Thiel Heather Thompson Jeff Thompson Michel Tisdale Erin Tuck James VanHalderen Wilson Welch Michelle White Gregory Williams Rich Wilson Sheridan Wood Samuel Zorn

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FRIENDS of the CHORUS SEASON 38

PATRON ($400-$999)..........................................................................................................................................

Ben Aken Chris Barnes Walter Blood Kim & Paul Budd Wayne Burge Craig Coen Dennis Hayden Stephen Hills Jimmy Hoard Dudley Hogue Pat Kelly & Tom Sullivan Angela Klippel Nancy Larabee Dick Leeson Jesse Leimkuehler Scott Feaster

Greg Maupins Tom Mayfield Kenton McNeill Patricia Miles Mel Minnis Donnie Morehouse Darin Parker Jim Pementel & Damon Roberts JD Perkins & Joe Hudec Michael Seely & Michael Patch Kevin Smith William Stout Donald Taylor Brian Williams Bryan Wohlwend

BENEFACTOR ($1,000 - $4,999)........................................................................................................................

Eric Aufdengarten & Joe Nadeau Dan & Sharon Brown Jason Castaneda Bob Cody Diane Conner Kathy & Jim Dunn Kevin Flesch Michelle Fox & Barb Wilson Keith Grahl & Harry Anderson Keith & Debra Hohly Dr. Newton W. Jones & James Corrick James Kogel & Larry Harmon Michelle LaPointe William Mitchell

Eric Morey Don & Carol Nistler Mark Patterson Calvin Quattlebaum Sandra Schermerhorn & Martha Boyd Arlene Segal Bob & Danny Shervington-Bair Shook Hardy & Bacon David Stagg Matt Stretz & Stewart Smith Gerald Valet Tim VanZandt Jeffery Wagner Keith & Anne Wiedenkeller

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($5,000 - $9,999)............................................................................................................

Richard Barrett & Derek McDonald Steve Dodge & Paul Elo Kim Foster

Chris Gibson Bill & Paula Hankins Mike Sigler

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($10,000- $24,999)...................................................................................................

Alan Grimes Jedel Family Foundation Francis Family Foundation The Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts

Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation Geraldine and R.A. Barrows Foundation UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee

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The Human Rights Campaign Foundation assigned Commerce Bank a score of 90 points out of a possible 100 for their 2022 Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ equality in workplaces.

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Proud sponsor of the Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City

commercebank.com © 2022 Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

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HEARTLAND SOUL

Heartland Soul is an esteemed group that supports the Heartland Men’s Chorus with individual unrestricted gifts of $750 or more each year. Members recognize that the Chorus provides a unique voice in the arts in the Kansas City metro area and surrounding region, and that through music we can truly make a difference. They also recognize that HMCKC is a proud and affirming presence for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. Heartland Soul members know that their financial support allows HMCKC to continue its mission and vision with programming that not only entertains, but changes hearts and minds.

HEARTLAND SOUL MEMBERS RECEIVE SEVERAL BENEFITS: • Invitation to Heartland Soul Receptions • Invitation to guest artist receptions (when applicable) to meet guest artists and learn about the “behind the scenes” preparation of HMCKC programs.

• Free parking in the adjacent garage for all of our concerts.

• Preferred subscriber upgrades for season tickets.

• Honorary numbered Heartland Soul lapel pin denoting membership.

The following people are the current members of Heartland Soul. We gratefully thank them for their generous support of the music and mission of Heartland Men’s Chorus.

Bruce Anderson Eric Aufdengarten & Joe Nadeau Paul Bacon Cris Barnes Dan & Sharon Brown Richard Barrett & Derek McDonald Kim & Paul Budd Jason Castaneda Bob Claassen Robert Clark Bob Cody Dean Dachenhausen Tom Dillon Steve Dodge & Paul Elo Kathy & Jim Dunn Joshua Farrell Sally Firestone Kevin Flesch Chris Gibson

Keith Grahl & Harry Anderson David Grantham Alan Grimes Jeff Halpern William & Paula Hankins Dudley Hogue David Hunker Newt Jones & Jim Corrick Nancy Kain Jim Kogel & Larry Haromon Michelle LaPointe Brian Larios & Chuck Harper Carl Manning Kenton McNeill JoZack Miller Donnie Morehouse Eric Morey & Dustin Greer Darrell Naeger Carol & Don Nistler

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Bradley Petzold Calvin Quattlebaum Damon Roberts Jesse Roberts Sandra Schermerhorn & Martha Boyd Cliff Schiappa Michael Schnetzer Arlene Segal Mike Sigler Kevin Smith Matt Stretz & Stewart Smith Rebecca Stroder Donald Taylor Michel Tisdale Gerald Valet Tim VanZandt Keith & Anne Wiedenkeller Kevin White Michelle White

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ENDOWMENT FUND

The Heartland Men’s Chorus Endowment Fund has received tax-deductible contributions of more than $300,000. Administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, the Endowment Fund is a resource that ensures the long-term financial health of the Chorus. The fund was created in 1998 to honor Bill Casey and Reuben Reynolds for their years of service to the Chorus. Charter donors to the Casey-Reynolds fund are noted in the donor report with a diamond icon (▲). In 2013, the Dr. Joe Nadeau fund was added honoring his 15 years of service as Artistic Director. Charter donors to the Nadeau fund are noted with a plus sign (✚).

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE Estate of Jerry Van Allen CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE Bruce W. Anderson ▲ ✚ Estate of Richard Firestone Steve Metzler and Brian Williams Annette N. Morgan Rev. Carol Stubbs Smith ▲ ✚ Gary Smith * DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE Charles E. Burch, Jr. in memory of Raymond E. Boring, DC Scott Francis ▲ Mary Kay McPhee & William Pfeiffer, Sr. William E. Pfeiffer, Jr. Reuben M. Reynolds III & Bill Casey ▲ Mike Sigler ▲ ✚ MAJOR BENEFACTOR Chris Abele Sally A. Firestone Philanthropic Fund ▲ Fred D. Fowler, MD & Ernest L. Williams ▲ ✚ Michelle LaPointe Gifts in Memory of Tim Mulvany Anonymous, in Memory of Steve Blevins ▲ Dan White BENEFACTOR Dave Baellow George K. Baum Foundation ▲ Steve Dodge & Paul Elo ▲ ✚ Mark Ensman & Noel Nothern ▲ Dan Flannery ▲ Steve Geiermann & Quenten Schumacher ▲ Christopher Gibson ▲ ✚ Mark Giersch & Dr. Jesse Roberts Fred Holtz ▲ Emmet M. Morris, Jr. ▲ Allen Noel ▲ G. Mark Sappington & David S. McGee, DCM Cliff Schiappa ✚ Kendrick T. Wallace ▲ Keith & Anne Wiedenkeller ✚

PATRON Terry Anderson & Michael Henry Jess Barnett ▲ Paul & Kim Budd Mark Dreiling Stephanie Dutton Alan & Susie Forker Dan Meiners J. David Miller ▲ C. Michel Minor & Scott Tansey Scott Reynolds & Klate Reimer Jerry Schiermeyer Lee Vandenbos ▲ Don W. White & Greg Thurman ▲ Ron Williams ▲ SPONSOR Sheldon Andrew Hon. Kay Waldo Barnes Phyllis Becker & Mark Schroer C. L. Boice & B. L. Kincaid ▲ Ron Bross James Carver Emily Fowler Gifts in memory of Nick Gold Brad Harris Chris Hernandez & Paul Monteil ✚ David Hunker Dr. Thomas R. Hunt Beth Ingram ✚ Kirby McCullough & Dan Auman P. Alan McDermott ▲ ✚ Todd Neff ▲ Kenneth F. Ruhnke ▲ Steven L. Sanders ▲ ✚ Bob Washburn Todd Wegener SUBSCRIBER Tyrone Aiken Robert Anesi & Joe Garza ✚ Bruce & Anne Bagley ✚ Cristopher Barnes Gretchen Blythe & Phil Minix Jeannette & Stephen Bruns Robert V. Deal Dave Draper Richard Held ▲ Rob Hill ✚ Larry Houlton ✚ David H. Hughes, Jr. ▲ Peter Keeble

Patrick Kelley ▲ John Mark Lambertson & Don D. White ▲ John Leakey & Vernon Register Tom Maddox & Randy Clark ▲ Ralph Oliva ▲ Gertrude Field Oliver ▲ Joan S. Olsen ▲ Alison & Steve Paddock ✚ Richard I. Preis ▲ Dr. Donald A. Rosenfield ▲ Lea & Marianne Rowland ✚ Joanie Shoemaker Jacqueline Collins Sigler ▲ Jarene & Lee Stanford ✚ Bradley E. Steffen Ellis Thigpen ▲ Frank Tubbert Kevin W. White ✚ Barb Wilson & Michelle Fox DONOR Julia Bacon ✚ Ken & Lisa Burden Ann Duer ✚ Jean Dunlap ▲ Janice E. Durrett ✚ Mac Fechtling John W. Green Kenneth J. LaBudde ▲ Susan C. Moehl ▲ Judy K. Mullen Joyce C. Palmer in honor of Thomas H. Sullivan, J.D. Matthew Powell & Daniel Allen Clay H. Rawhouser Matthew E. Rowland ▲ Steve & Vicki Scanlon ✚ Shalon Fund ✚ FRIEND Jay Bosch & Bill Ruprecht David Follmer ▲ Shirley Grove Molly & Hall Harsh ✚ Anonymous ✚ Dennis Mosby Emaline Newton ✚ Kip Niven ✚ Gary & Michelle Salzman ✚ Gifts in memory of John R. Sigler

AD ASTRA Latin, meaning “to the stars.” this phrase symbolizes our feelings for the members of HMCKC who have passed ad astra.

Kirk A. Andersen Steven Andrew Buzz Armknecht Rodney L. Bake Anthony Baptist Ralph Behrens Charles Beitler Cindy Bixby David Bond Ron Bross Steven L. Brown Phil Bundy Jim Burrus Robert Busby Steven Capeder John Carey Bill Casey Dick Caskey Thomas D. Clark Byron Coleman James Costa John P. Cousins Lee Crawford David Dowler Gerald Downs-Gregory Mark Dreiling Richard Duran Steve Eagan Ken Elder John C. England

Gina Scaggs Epifano James Ford Fred D. Fowler M.D. Monte Fritts Robert Garza Bob Glinn Tony Head Marc Hein Judy Hiebert Richard Hill Jason Huber-Fredin Adam B. Hulstine Dr. Thomas R. Hunt Mark Hutchens Paul Ingold Kevin Jordan Fr. Ambrose Karels Steven Jeffrey Karlin Dan Keith David Killmeyer Fr. Steve LaPrad Jim LaRoche Les Longberg Dennis Lowery Troy Malone Kelly Marzett Rick McAdams David Ray McGlothlin Brian McLothlin Steve Mehmert

C. Stephen Metzler Clay Miller J. David Miller Tim Moore Lance Moorman Annette N. Morgan Joseph Neal Jeff Nichols Jesse Penley J. David Perkins Jan Potter Molly Proffer Todd W. Rice Franklin Rieske George A. Robb Dr. Don Rosenfield Barry Scanlan Neil Shasteen Jerry E. Sims Alex Smith Phil Smith Jarene Stanford Yul Stell Rande Stewart Robert D. Sullivan D.A. Thomas Greg Thomas Ernie Williams Scott C. Williams Frank Woltkamp

they have all been stars in our eyes.

heartland men's chorus

LEGACY SOCIETY Through a bequest to Heartland Men’s Chorus, you can show your continued support for our work. Heartland Men’s Chorus Legacy Society is a group of donors who have remembered the Chorus in their estate planning. A list of Legacy Society members will be included in each program. Dudley Hogue, Executive Director of the Chorus, can assist you with any contribution plans or questions you might have. Our mailing address: Heartland Men’s Chorus, PO Box 32374, Kansas City, MO 64171-5374. Our office phone number is (816) 931-3338.

You may e-mail us at hmc@hmckc.org. Our tax ID is 43-1490366.

LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS Chris Abele Lee Adams Norm Arbo Mark Besinger David Brija-Towery Mike Brown Tom Brusnahan Don Carrel Robert J. Cody Howard Collinson Chris Curry Dean Dachenhausen Greg Davis Russell Derringer Steve Dodge Paul Elo Rick Fisher Mark Giersch Jim Harlow Rob Hill Randy Hite Larry Houlton Steven L. Huyser Phillip Jamieson Bob Jackson Patrick Kelley John Mark Lambertson

Robert C. Lee Powell Minnis Darrell Naeger Mark Patterson Michael Phelps Barry Regenold Damon Roberts Jesse Roberts, MD Don Robertson Steven L. Sanders Cliff Schiappa Mike Sigler Rev. Carol Stubbs Smith Kevin C. Smith Jarene & Lee Stanford Ben Studebaker Tom Sullivan John F. Underwood Lee Vandenbos David Vaughn Todd Wegener Don D. White Kevin White Keith & Anne Wiedenkeller Edward Wigley Brian Williams Ron Williams

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MIKE'S HOLID A Y SU R VIVA L GU IDE

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AL COH O L .

FIN D US IN WESPOR T, WALDO & B ROOKSIDE FOLLO W U S ON SOCIAL @MIKESKC

BECOME PART OF THE MUSIC our vision Singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance

There is room for everyone in Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansa City: singers, non-singers, men, women, old or young. You can become a part of Kansas City’s most unique Chorus!

INTERESTED IN SINGING WITH HEARTLAND MEN’S CHORUS? Auditions for new singers take place at the beginning of each concert cycle, in September, January and April.

First, come check us out! You’ll have a chance to get to know us by coming to our first two rehearsals of the concert cycle on Tuesdays from 6:30–9:30 p.m. in Founder’s Hall at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral (13th Street and Broadway in downtown Kansas City, Mo.). Contact the chorus office (hmc@hmckc.org) so we’re ready to welcome you! After that, you’ll schedule a short vocal audition with our artistic director. If all goes well, the final step is attending our New Member Orientation and you’re in! If you can’t wait, or you’ve missed the start of the cycle, you are invited to visit rehearsal any time.

INTERESTED IN NON-SINGING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE CHORUS? Those who don’t sing or can’t make the weekly rehearsal commitment are invited to join our non-singing fifth section, HeartLight. This group gives an opportunity for interested people to be members of the Chorus and provide a wide range of essential support functions. HeartLight members are incorporated into Chorus events as their personal schedules permit. If you would like to know more about HeartLight, or you would like to volunteer specific skills to the Chorus, please contact the Chorus office at (816) 931-3338 or hmc@hmckc.org.

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MARCH 22-24, 2024

C. Stephen Metzler Hall at the Folly Theater

Tickets at hmckc.org 2023-2024 SEASON SHAWN CULLEN

artistic director & conductor