Heartland Men's Chorus Kansas City presents All Is Bright
December 6-8, 2024 | C. Stephen Metzler Hall at the Folly Theater
Shawn Cullen | Artistic Director & Conductor
HEARTLAND MEN'S CHORUS SEASON 39 SPONSORS
Thank you to our season sponsors, whose support makes our concerts possible. Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City applauds the organizations and businesses whose logos appear below for their generous support of our mission and legacy. We are also grateful to these foundations and government agencies that invest in making Kansas City a great place to live and explore the arts:
Missouri Arts Council
Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
Francis Family Foundation, Miller-Mellor Association
The Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation
Synchrony Foundation
Kearney Wornall Foundation
heartland men’s
chorus
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
our mission
Through our collective voice we build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity
board chair
Eric Aufdengarten
treasurer
vice-chair
Kenton McNeill
Christal Williams secretary
Danny Shervington-Bair
president of the chorus
Jason Castaneda
board of directors
Chris Madden | Jenny Harris-Patterson
Bradley Petzold | Sandy Schermerhorn | Michael Seely
Tyler Smith | Benjamin Walker
HMCKC COMMITTEE CHAIRS
executive committee
Eric Aufdengarten
board development
Kenton McNeill development
Michael Seely
finance
Christal Williams human resources
Dudley Hogue
membership services
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.
DUDLEY HOGUE
Welcome to Season 39 and the
Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City!
We are so excited about the season that we have planned for you! The chorus has never sounded more incredible than in their preparation for the holiday concert, and I personally
March. But now, more than ever, we Do It With Heart early this summer, bringing music that matters to communities of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, where LGBTQ+ voices fight
But wait – there’s always more! The presented by The HeartAches, will be absolutely incredible in February, Ignite the Night – Evening of Note 2025 is coming on Saturday, January 11 at the historic Midland Theatre! NINA WEST, declared “America’s Sweetheart” by Ru Paul herself after NINA appeared on season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11, will be our guest emcee and entertainer. It’s going to be a fabulous time, and we’re excited for you to experience it. (Visit hmckc.org/eon for more information.)
In order to make all of this happen (especially the tour) I hope that you will support HMCKC in any and every way that you can. Ticket sales only provide 33% of our revenue, and that means that every contribution – no matter the size – makes a significant impact. Please consider making a donation today by visiting hmckc.org and clicking the donate button. Please consider making your gift a recurring one, but whatever it is that you can give, I thank you for making a significant difference!
Audrey Lorde once said “Only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.” In the divided world in which we now find ourselves, and with the political landscape unknown at the present time, we remain hopeful and steadfast in our vision of singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance. And while that sometimes seems daunting, at the present time, there is one thing I know for certain – we must sing on – but today, we need you more than ever.
Thank you for your love and support. Now sit back and enjoy All Is Bright!
Men’s Chorus.
Welcome to Heartland Men’s Chorus and our holiday production of All Is Bright. It’s an honor to share this moment of warmth and connection with you, especially as we come together in the wake of challenging times. The recent election has left many of us with questions and concerns about the future, particularly for those in our LGBTQ+ community, our allies, and those who believe in a world of love, equality, and acceptance. In times like these, the need for spaces like ours – where voices are heard, identities are celebrated, and love leads the way – has never been greater.
This season, we have an exciting lineup that underscores our commitment to making a difference through music, joy, and community. Following All Is Bright, we’re thrilled to bring you our first-ever Aha! Cabaret this February, starring The HeartAches, our community engagement ensemble. Expect an evening of powerhouse vocals as we finish the phrase “Love is….” just in time for Valentines Day. In March, we’ll take you on a journey through decades of country music with our spring production, Y’all Means All, celebrating the rich, diverse sound of country music through a fabulous LGBTQ lens! And finally, we’re taking our message on the road with the Do It With Heart Concert and Tour. This powerful experience will carry our music to communities throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, sharing songs of love, acceptance, and unity with audiences who need it most.
Thank you for being here, for believing in the power of music, and for supporting Heartland Men’s Chorus as we continue to shine, sing, and spread joy in the face of adversity. Together, let’s make All Is Bright a celebration of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of our community.
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 Arizona 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 as 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
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. He also works with members of Kansas City Chorale, Kansas City Symphony and Symphony Chorus.
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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.
DECEMBER 6-8 | THE FOLLY THEATER
ACT 1
Light (from Next to Normal)
Music and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt
Arr. by Charlie Beale
soloists: Benji Crow, Joseph Marrocco, Adam Brown, Storm Davis
Good People All, Rejoice
Traditional/Arr. David Maddux
We Three Kings
Traditional/Arr. By Andy Beck
The Happiest Christmas Tree
Music and Lyrics by Cathy Lynn
Arr. David Maddux
dancers: John Edmonds, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, David Loethen, Danny Shervington-Bair, Calvin Quattlebaum, Terraye “Ray” Watson
The First Noel
Traditional/Arr. Dan Forrest
A Doo-Wop Christmas (With You)
By Greg Gilpin
featuring: The HeartAches
The Times They Are A Changin’
Music and Lyrics by Bob Dylan
Arr. Adam Podd
soloists: Woaden Tayler (Friday/Sunday), Jordan Hatley (Saturday)
Puttin’ on the Holiday Drag
Music and Lyrics by Steve Huffines
soloists: Michael L. De Voe
Joy!
Music and Lyrics by Chad Weirick
ACT 2
It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas
Music and lyrics by Meredith Willson Arr. Mark Hayes
The 12 Days of Christmas
(As performed by Straight No Chaser) Arr. by Timothy Piper featuring: The HeartAches
Holiday Tango
Music and Lyrics by Greg Gilpin
dancers: Matthew Allen, Russ Czeschin, Christopher T. Roberts, Derek Thompson
Let Me Listen
Music by Dan Forrest
Lyrics by Charles Anthony Silvestri
Go! Go! Rudy!
Arr. Chad Weirick
dancers: Jody Cates-Collins, Payton Dishman, John Edmonds, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, Eryk Larabee, David Loethen, Ryan Neeland, Calvin Quattlebaum, Terraye “Ray” Watson
Holiday Sing-A-Long
Miracle
Music and lyrics by Matisyahu
Arr. Chad Weirick
dancers: Matthew Allen, Russ Czeschin, Christopher T. Roberts, Anthony Robinson, Derek Thompson, Samuel Zorn
Go Where I Send Thee
Traditional/Arr. Sean Ivory and Paul Caldwell
HEARTLAND MEN′S CHORUS KANSAS CITY
TENOR 1
Matthew Allen ( 2024 )
Paul W. Backer ( 1991 )
Robert Bradbury ( 2013 )
Alex Brewer ( 2022 )
♥ Sean Carder ( 2018 )
Aaron Dawson ( 2022 )
♥ Benjamin L. DuBois (2008)
Luke Englert ( 2024 )
Christopher Gibson ( 1996 )
✚ Randall Humbird ( 2004 )
John Jeppson ( 2023 )
♥ Dane Lackey ( 2024 )
✚ Cole Langford-Braun ( 2023 )
Powell Minnis ( 2004 )
Darrell Naeger (2002)
Timothy M. Ryan ( 2016 )
Michael Sigler ( 1992 )
Michael Smith-Harris ( 2023 )
✚
Ricky Wilson ( 2017 )
TENOR 2
John Ashton ( 2024 )
Evan Childress ( 2022 )
Parker Crist ( 2023 )
Russ Czeschin ( 2023 )
♥
✚ Storm Davis ( 2023 )
Jordan Davis ( 2024 )
♥ Payton Dishman ( 2023 )
Chance Donaldson ( 2023 )
Keith Grahl ( 1986 )
Jacob Horton ( 2019 )
Ma'Riece Johnson ( 2022 )
Jerryn Johnston ( 2022 )
✚ Holden Kraus ( 2014 )
Eryk Larabee ( 2010 )
David Loethen ( 2018 )
Grant Mayfield ( 2022 )
♥
✚ Dee Moss ( 2023 )
Brad Norris (2020)
Jeffrey Porter ( 2022 )
Mark Pridmore ( 2010 )
✚ Barry Regenold ( 2001 )
♥ Christopher T. Roberts ( 2023 )
Rick Sams ( 2024 )
♥ Brandon Shelton ( 2004 )
Danny Shervington-Bair ( 2022 )
Ken Stewart ( 2019 )
Jon Tyree (2020)
Edward Wunderlich ( 2017 )
BARITONE
Mike Anderson ( 2017 )
Eric Aufdengarten ( 2007 )
Dalton Bowman ( 2019 )
Paul Budd (2000)
Jody Cates-Collins ( 2024 )
♥
John Edmonds ( 1995 )
Scott Feaster ( 2013 )
✚
Kevin Flesch ( 2023 )
David Grantham ( 2022 )
Lou Harris ( 1995 )
Tyler Harvey ( 2014 )
Jordan Hatley ( 2019 )
Chuck Henderson ( 2007 )
Randy Hite ( 1986 )
Ron Hobert ( 2023 )
Jeff Holt ( 2024 )
Rob Kottenbrock (2003)
Joseph Marrocco ( 2024 )
Cory Marz ( 2022 )
Greg Maupins ( 1998 )
Ryan Neeland ( 2012 )
♥ Ezra Ofregnbue ( 2022 )
David Pasley (2006)
Mark Patterson ( 2017 )
Kyle Phillips (2006)
Calvin Quattlebaum (2005)
Ethan Ritschel ( 2023 )
♥
✚
♥
✚ Tim Rowland ( 2023 )
Michael Seely ( 2015 )
Marcus Simmons ( 2023 )
Michael Stortz ( 2012 )
Zach Stroth ( 2024 )
Jonathon Thompson ( 2023 )
Terraye "Ray" Watson ( 2024 )
Trey Witt ( 2016 )
BASS
Mario Alcantara ( 2013 )
Jason Blaisdell ( 2007 )
Jonathan Bokay (2020)
♥
Andy Bolton ( 2024 )
Adam Brown ( 2014 )
Jason Castaneda ( 2013 )
Nick Coyan ( 2023 )
♥
Benji Crow ( 2019 )
Michael L. De Voe ( 2014 )
Steve Dodge ( 1995 )
Brian Doyle ( 2024 )
John Einck ( 2023 )
Paul Elo (2000)
Joshua Farrell (2002)
♥ Scott Ferrell-Garcia ( 2022 )
Eric Forseth ( 2024 )
Andy Gosling ( 2024 )
✚
Dustin Greer ( 2019 )
Darren Haun ( 1993 )
Dennis Hayden ( 1987 )
Jason Landrum-Vetter (2020)
Jeffrey Lewis ( 2024 )
Robbie McGowan ( 2024 )
Grantaire Myers ( 2024 )
Michael Reyes ( 2024 )
Anthony Robinson ( 2022 )
John J. Sims ( 1997 )
Spencer Smith ( 2024 )
Woaden Tayler ( 2024 )
Derek Thompson ( 2015 )
✚
Randall Wrisinger ( 2004 )
Travis Allen Zirkle ( 2015 )
♥
Samuel Zorn (2009)
HEARTLIGHT
Dan Brown ( 2015 )
Kim Fitch Budd ( 2001 )
Larry Chester ( 2010 )
Tim Collins ( 2024 )
James Franklin ( 1995 )
Troy Johnson ( 2014 )
Patrick Kelley ( 1996 )
Dennis Maddux-Phillips ( 2024 )
✚
Shawn Moss ( 2023 )
Drew Tayler ( 2024 )
Donny Wall ( 2024 )
year
THE CREDITS
hmckc staff
Shawn Cullen | Artistic Director & Conductor
Dudley Hogue | Executive Director
Tom Dillon | Operations Manager
Lamar Sims | Principal Accompanist
Brandon Shelton | Brand Manager & Designer
Mitch Weber | Communications Manager
artistic team
Kelly Michale | Resident Stage & Production Manager
Alex Perry | Resident Lighting Designer
Sally Farrand | Co-Lighting Designer
Nic Aldrich | Resident Audio Engineer
Valerie Martin | Choreography
Amanda Hubbard | ASL Interpreter
Robin Olson | ASL Interpreter
John Edmonds | Rehearsal Resource Coordinator (Video)
hmckc would like to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff and crew of the folly theater.
P R O S P E R I T Y
A D V I S O R S
Cheersto39Years!
1
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WITH SPECIAL GUEST
Proud to Support Our Communities
Risk Strategies, a top national specialty insurance broker, is a proud sponsor of the Heartland Men's Chorus.
We salute their mission to build community, celebrate Pride, and empower authenticity.
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
Circle
$15,000+
Friend $40-$399
FRIENDS of the CHORUS
SEASON 39
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($15,000+) ................................................................................................................
Jesse Roberts & Mark Giersch
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($5,000-$14,999) .........................................................................................................
Membership in the chorus is by audition and open to all women’s voice ranges. The Chorus prides itself on the diversity of its membership: demographically, culturally and professionally. If you identify in any way as a woman and you love to sing, we’d love to have you join us.
The Kansas City Women’s Chorus is Kansas City’s only regional women’s chorus inspiring through performance, embracing diversity, and advocating social justice. Our four most recent concerts were sold out, and we are excited about our May 16-17, 2025 concert, “Wild and Tamed Voices: A Choral Tribute to All Creatures.”
ENDOWMENT FUND
The Heartland Men’s Chorus Endowment Fund has received tax-deductible contributions of more than $500,000. 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. Additional fundraising efforts have been made in honor of former Artistic Director, Dr. Joe Nadeau (2013), and former Executive Director, Mr. Rick Fisher (2022). Join this special list of donors by contacting the chorus office at hmc@hmckc.org or 816-931-3338..
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 .........................................................................................................................................
Joyce C. Palmer in honor of Thomas H. Sullivan, J.D.
Matthew Powell & Daniel Allen
Mark Raduziner & Mike Slater
Clay H. Rawhouser
Emilee Rose & Tim McMulin
Matthew E. Rowland
Steve & Vicki Scanlon
Shalon Fund
Diane & Wilson Stafford
Marian Thomas
Belinda Rea Manos
Dennis Mosby
Emaline Newton
Kip Niven
Becky & Rob Parrott
Peg Prendergast & Shannon Hennessy
Dana Russell
Gary & Michelle Salzman
Gifts in memory of John R. Sigler
Jeff Spangler & Ceton Van Meter
Don & Nancy Thomas
Mark Green
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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. For more information on contribution plans or for any questions you might have about HMCKC's Legacy Society, please contact:
Dudley Hogue, HMCKC Executive Director
Heartland Men’s Chorus PO Box 32374 Kansas City, MO 64171-5374. (816) 931-3338. hmc@hmckc.org
Tax ID: 43-1490366.
LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
Mark A. Besinger
Robert J. Cody
Russell Derringer
Steve Dodge
Paul Elo
Rick Fisher
Mark Giersch
Randy Hite
Patrick Kelly
John Mark Lambertson
Powell Minnis
Darrell Naeger
Mark E. Patterson
Michael Phelps
Dr. Jesse Roberts
Steven Sanders
Cliff Schiappa
J. Michael Sigler
Todd Wegener
AD ASTRA
Latin, meaning “to the stars.” this phrase symbolizes our feelings for the members of HMCKC who have passed ad astra. they have all been stars in our eyes.
BECOME PART OF THE MUSIC
our vision
Singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance
Build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity with your talent! HMCKC is always looking for talented TTBB singers & passionate non-singing volunteers to continue our Kansas City legacy of musical excellence! We are a choral ensemble in its 39th season specializing in “choral theater” productions attached to our vision. There is room for everyone over the age of 18 in HMCKC: men, women, trans, non-binary, gay or straight!
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. We’ll be conducting auditions for our March show, Y’all Means All, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 and Sunday, January 5, 2025. Click the banner below to learn more and sign up!
If you can’t make an audition time you can still come check us out! You’ll have a chance to get to know us by coming to the first Tuesday night rehearsal of each concert cycle in Founders’ Hall at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kansas City, MO. Our first Spring rehearsal is Tuesday, January 7, 2025. 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.
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 nonsinging 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.
