OGC Peace on Earth: Make the Yuletide GAY Digital Program

Orlando Gay Chorus

Sunday, December 10, 2023 @ 4:00PM Lake Highland Preparatory School, Orlando Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 7:30PM Ritz Theater, Sanford

Harold Wright, Artistic Director Welcome to today’s performance of “Peace On Earth: Make the Yuletide GAY” featuring the Orlando Gay Chorus! We are truly thankful you made our performance part of your holiday season. As Artistic Director, it is my honor to conduct this group of amazing singers and dancers, as well as working alongside the artistic staff: Sue Glerum, pianist, and Jenny Cate Hodil, our newly appointed Associate Artistic Director.

Today’s program includes a wide variety of songs; from the theme song of the video game Civilization IV, Baba Yetu, to the fun holiday classic, Mele Kalikimaka.

Additionally, we are singing in six different languages: Swahili, German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and English. We have secular songs and sacred songs that celebrate the season of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza too!

Finally, we cannot thank you enough for your patronage and support of the Orlando Gay Chorus. We are one of the largest LGBTQIA+ choruses in the United States and because of you, we will continue to grow and continue to make a difference not only in Orlando, but around Florida and beyond. Thank you for coming today and Happy Holiday Season to you and your family! Enjoy our show, “Peace On Earth: Make the Yuletide GAY”!

A message from Sheri Kettula, Board Chair Musical Artistic Development Committee Chair When OGC’s music committee contemplated what we need more of (in our lives and in our community), we agreed that we need more LOVE and Peace! More than ever this year, we find ourselves in search of that spirit of Peace on Earth. It's A Small World (after all) and together we can make it a better day. Songs like From A Distance remind us that we share more commonalities than differences. My Gen X heart will always dream of the day when we can honestly all sing, and believe, and hopefully make true that War is Over. And that brings us full circle to Let There Be Peace on Earth (and let it begin with me). May we all feel that uplifted spirit inside of us however you celebrate the holiday season … the spirit of hopefulness and possibility for better days in the New Year.

Jenny Cate Hodil, Associate Artistic Director Jenny Cate is thrilled to step into the role of Associate Artistic Director for the Orlando Gay Chorus! Ms. Hodil has taught music in public schools throughout Central Florida for 13 years, and currently teaches middle school chorus, piano, and musical theater. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State University and a Master of Music from Northwestern University. Jenny Cate believes in developing self-efficacy through music performance and is excited to bring her passion to OGC.

Sue Glerum, Principal Accompanist Sue earned her Master of Music degree in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music and her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory from Stetson University. She is a Music Specialist at the University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts where she teaches Music Theory, is a collaborative pianist in musical theatre, voice, and acting classes, and coaches students in voice. This is Sue’s 17th year with the Orlando Gay Chorus.

Meet the Chorus

ACT ONE Let There Be Peace on Earth Words & Music by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson Arranged by Kirby Shaw Soloist: Sarah Milowic

Baba Yetu

Swahili adaptation of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Chris Kiagiri Music by Christopher Tin Soloists: Ama Brown-Fenton & Marcus Ealy

It’s a Small World

Words & Music Richard M Sherman and Robert B Sherman Arranged by Mark Brymer

Abreme la Puerta

Traditional carol from Puerto Rico Arranged by Cristian Grases

Rudolph Ménage

Words & Music by Johnny Marks Arranged by the Blenders

Seven Principles

Words & Music by Bernice Johnson Reagon

Silent Night for All the World

Words by Joseph Mohr and Pepper Choplin Music by Franz Grüber and Pepper Choplin Soloist: Monique Myers

Hanukkah Flame

Words by Linda Marcus Music by Vicki Tucker Courtney Clarinet Soloist: April Abbott

A Million Dreams Nothin’ But Treble

Words & Music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul; Arranged by Roger Emerson

A Hand For Mrs Claus

Words & Music by Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez Arranged by Mac Huff Soloist: Emma Bramer

Hail Holy Queen

Words & Music Traditional - Adapted by Roger Emerson Arranged by Marc Shaiman Soloist: Leslie Gostin

ACT TWO Dear Santa

As performed by The Weather Girls - Words & Music by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer Arranged by Chad Weirick Soloist: Josh Soto

The Closing of The Year Trevor Horn & Hans Zimmer Arranged by Steve Milloy Soloists: Josh Sousa & Nolan Croce

River

Words & Music by Joni Mitchell Arranged by Gurt Lush In memoriam for our brother in song Bill Blacklock (1960 - 2023)

From a Distance

Words & Music by Julie Gold Arranged by Mark Brymer

Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You) OUTLOUD!

As performed by Kelly Clarkson - Words & Music by Jessi Collins and Jason Halbert Arranged by Mark Brymer

The Ballad of Santa Claus

(Parody of The Ballad of Sweeney Todd)

Spectrum

Music/Arrangement by Stephen Sondheim Lyrics by Clement Clarke Moore

Mele Kalikimaka

Words & Music by R. Alex Anderson Arranged by Jay Althouse

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

Words & Music by John Lennon and Yoko Ono Arranged by Don Henken

The Christmas Can-Can

Concept & Lyrics by Walter Chase Quartet: Carol Studer, Elaine Corriveau, Joe Monnin & Marty Manuel

Creative Team, Staff, Volunteers and Behind the Scenes Artistic Team

Production Crew

Artistic Director Harold Wright

Technical Director/Production Committee Chair Brian Lorenz

Associate Artistic Director Jenny Cate Hodil Principal Accompanist Sue Glerum Principal ASL Interpreter Debbie Drobney

Audio Coordinator Chip Reif Production Stage Manager Martha Seney Assistant Stage Manager Lex Booker

ASL Interpreters Debbie Drobney Derek Smith Kyle Volling

Choreographers Dion Johnson Dwight Shropshire

Musicians

OGC Team

Piano Sue Glerum

Office Manager Steven Miller

Guitar Justin Mola

Program/Poster Design Paul Driver

Drums Jared Mola

Social Media Team Miraylee Batista Emma Bramer Leslie Gostin

About OGC The Orlando Gay Chorus(OGC)is one of the largest mixed LGBTQIA+ choruses in the country. Founded on Valentine's Day in 1990, OGC has been a fixture in the Central Florida area for over 30 years. In addition to the full chorus, OGC has four small ensembles that perform at the annual concerts and cabarets, as well as at community and private events.

Comprised of LGBTQ+ individuals and many allies from all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds, OGC warmly welcomes all who would like to join them in their goal of changing hearts and minds in Central Florida and throughout the world.

The members of the chorus, now 100+ strong, are thankful to be able to carry on the mission and vision. The musical artistry speaks directly to the pride in the LGBTQ+ community and offers the world a chance to see beyond headlines and contentious social issues to build bridges of understanding and love.

As part of the Central Florida Arts Community, the Orlando Gay Chorus often performs at Central Florida pride events, sporting events, and various other community engagements. In addition to our two main stage concerts in December and May, we present smaller cabarets and take our show on the road at least once a year to cities outside of Orlando, like Sanford, Ormond Beach, Cocoa, Winter Haven, and more.

The Orlando Gay Chorus has performed in many GALA(Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) Festivals, most memorably during the 2016 Denver festival... shortly after the Pulse tragedy. It was immensely impactful to perform in front of an audience of 3000 GALA Chorus members and supporters from around the world.

In the years since the Pulse tragedy, OGC and its ensembles continue to be ambassadors of hope and healing to the victims' families, survivors, and those affected by the Pulse tragedy, performing in over 150 Pulserelated community engagements in the first year alone.

Due to its 30+ years of service to the community, OGC was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast & Center Awards by the LGBT+ Center in Orlando.

Despite the challenges of singing during a pandemic, OGC continues life-saving and community affirming work, following strict protocols to ensure the safety of our performers, volunteers, and staff. Following a brief hiatus of virtual workshops, rehearsals, and online performances, OGC was able to resume in-person performances and delight audiences once again.

The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit arts and humanitarian organization.