Disclaimer: I am not a singer. In fact, I am terrible. I actually LOVE singing. But, it comes out like a bad American Idol audition. You know the ones… those delusional fame whores who think they can be a star, but are really talentless wannabes. Yep. That’s me. BUT, I did date a singer for two years so I am totally qualified to judge. Disclaimer over.

For a few years now, I have been a regular at the Vancouver Men’s Chorus’ (http://www.vancouvermenschorus.ca/) annual Christmas concert, Making Spirits Bright. I first started going because my step-brother Jason and his husband Aiden (yep… my nephews and niece have more gay uncles than they can shake a stick at!) are in the Chorus. I’ve never been disappointed. However, this year I almost didn’t go. “Been there, done that”. “Heard it all before”. “Blah blah cute choreography great singing blah blah”. This year, at the last minute, my mom called to say she had an extra ticket for the last show. She needed a date. Since I only live a block away from the church, how could I say no? Especially to my mom! And boy, am I glad I said yes.

As soon as Conductor Willi Zwozdesky stepped up on his riser, I remembered why I love the show so much. It makes me giggle. My mom too. It’s all about entertainment, creativity, and joy. What more can you ask for in a Christmas concert? This year, Willi let the audience (the entire run of shows was SOLD OUT this year) know that the theme was “green”. Green songs, green lyrics, green bow ties and cummerbunds. Willi joked that green can be a very tricky colour to pull off, but the boys all looked quite dashing… especially while dancing and prancing. Get it? Dasher, Dancer, and Prancer?!?! Boo. Bad pun. Call me Patrick.

The Vancouver Men’s Chorus at one of its five sold out shows.

After the show, I told Jason and Aiden that this was actually my favorite Making Spirits Bright. I’m so glad I got over my inner humbug. Given that it was the last show of five, the boys were surprisingly full of spirit, fun, and strong singing. When December 2011 rolls around, get your tickets and make Making Spirits Bright part of your Christmas tradition.

Here were my favorite moments.

Variations on “O Tannenbaum”: I have to give a shout out to VMC member Stephen Smith. This was a world premier of his original arrangement of the old classic. It was great. The German sounded good to me too… and I don’t even speak German.

Over the Skies of Yisrael: This song, based on a Hebrew pair, was actually my favourite song of the night. It wasn’t the big choreo number or the most light-hearted, but it was beautiful. Great harmonies, big sound. I thought the baritones really stood out in this one.

Busted! Vancouver’s own Rawn Stoke NOT singing!

Feliz Navidad – A Green Navidad: I was actually horrified. My mom and I ended up being two of the dozens handed makeshift (recycled odds and ends) instruments for the obligatory audience participation song. We went up onto the risers, pretended to sing, and shook our little tambourines. Willi said our group was the best. Obviously.

An epic classic epically turned on its head

Hallelujah Chorus (From “Messiah”): Epic. Genius. Hilarious. Usually, this rousing number should make the hair on your neck stand up when a choir hits the big notes. But this time, I was howling with laughter. Literally cackling. A whole line of boys had the oh-so-repetitive lyrics on signs and flashed them for the audience. Even omnipotent was separated out to Om Nip O Tent. Hilarious. But, it was VMC President Stephen Finn who STOLE the show. He was the last sign, with the big job. He had the “er” in “ever” and the “eth” in “reigneth”. Every time he flashed his sign he gave the audience various bemused, befuddled, and bewildered looks. Deadpan humour at its finest.

Other notable mentions: Jason Bower for the Christmas Can Can choreography. The boys nailed it. Michael Harper also delivered some cute as heck choreo for Santa Baby and Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag. Loved the white gloves.

Bravo gentlemen. Bravo.

Remember, you don’t have to wait until next December to see the Vancouver Men’s Chorus. Check out their 30th anniversary concert in May. Duets: Two Fabulous (more puns!) promises to be a great show! Go to http://www.vancouvermenschorus.ca/ for more info.

Merry HO HO HO!

Thanks to the VMC for the photos.

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