Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA), one of the country’s longest-running and largest LGBTQ arts organizations, will round out its memorable 39th season with its highly anticipated summer concert, “The Pink Carpet: The Portrayal of LGBTQ People in Film.”
Throughout the show, GMCLA will explore the variety of ways that Tinseltown has portrayed members of the LGBTQ community and, conversely, how through its cinematic works over the last few decades, from the silent era through today’s blockbusters and independent classics, Hollywood has impacted cultural beliefs and norms by pushing boundaries and blurring gender roles.
“For the last 100 years, the public has been flocking to see films, starting with the silent era,” said Dr. Joe Nadeau, artistic director and conductor for Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. “This captivating art form has helped shape our culture in so many ways, and we felt it was important to explore the effects this medium has had on society’s views on the LGBTQ community and the effects the LGBTQ community has had on cinema. Audiences are in for a real treat with this concert.”
“Our 39th season has been one of our most exciting yet, and I can’t think of any better show than ‘The Pink Carpet’ to help round it out to make way for our very special 40th anniversary,” added Jonathan Weedman, executive director of GMCLA. “What we have in store for our audiences with this show is nothing short of fantastic and we’re excited to share it.”
“The Pink Carpet” will integrate live choral performances, music, narration, dance and production numbers, and video to highlight some of Hollywood’s most memorable on-screen moments of LGBTQ portrayal. Most recognizable for slinging sassy Southern snapbacks at his TV nemesis Karen Walker on the hit series, “Will & Grace,” Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and activist Leslie Jordan will treat audiences to unforgettable and hilarious repartee as the celebrity guest host of the event.
Audiences will be treated to renditions of “Anything Goes” from its namesake musical, “Once I Had a Secret Love” from “Calamity Jane,” “Think Pink” from “Funny Face” and “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman.”
GMCLA’s “The Pink Carpet” will take place at Glendale’s Alex Theatre (216 N. Brand Blvd.) with three performances: on Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and the following day, Sunday, June 24 at 2 p.m.
Tickets for “The Pink Carpet” can be purchased by visiting www.gmcla.org. For more information on Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, call (424) 239-6514.