The Big Gay Cabaret
The Good, the Bad, and the Gay
Ruth Eckerd Hall
October 25, 2024
Good Lovin’
By incorporating this timeless song into their concert, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay will bring a fresh, contemporary twist to a classic tune, showcasing the group‘s dynamic vocal range and infectious stage presence.
Love Never Felt So Good
The song, which blends Jackson’s signature smooth pop with Timberlake’s modern flair, was brought to life with infectious energy and flawless vocal harmonies. Bodo, Gutierrez, Compton, Matheson, and Omila infused the performance with a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie, engaging the audience with their lively stage presence and impeccable vocal control.
All Good Gifts
The moving ballad was beautifully interpreted by Nathaneel Williams, joined by fellow chorus members Kent Nicholas, Jeremiah Cummings, and Gabriel Irizarry. Together, the quartet delivered a poignant rendition that left a lasting impact on the audience.
Goodbye Earl
This was a standout moment in the show, with PJ Yarosh taking the lead, joined by Mike Fortin, Jr., Will Hession, Daniel Lastorino, John Shirley, Brooke Byrington, and Vic Omila — the performance brought a combination of humor and empowerment to the stage.
U Got It Bad
Kevin Beckett’s smooth, soulful voice brought an intensity to the song, capturing the vulnerability and yearning at its core. His vocal performance was a masterclass in emotional expression, with each note resonating with raw sincerity and heart.
Feelin’ Good
The song’s bold lyrics and sweeping melody were perfectly suited to Stein’s rich tenor voice, which he used to full effect to convey the triumphant, soulful energy of the song. From the first note, Stein captivated the audience.
Good As Hell
The Rainbros, known for their charisma and vocal excellence, lit up the stage with a high-energy, exuberant performance of the song that has become a rallying cry for self-confidence and personal empowerment.
Steppin’ to the Bad Side
Originally performed by the characters of the musical’s iconic ”The Dreams” as a fierce and bold anthem, “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” was brought to life by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay with a raw intensity and drama that captured the song’s themes of ambition, determination, and defiance.
Good Vibrations
With its uplifting melody and signature harmonies, “Good Vibrations” was the perfect fit for the Gay Men’s Chorus, whose members brought their own vibrant energy to the piece. Brian Compton’s smooth, charismatic solo vocals seamlessly blended with the rich harmonies of the ensemble, creating a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh.
Good Morning, Tampa Bay
Kent Nicholas’ rendition of “Good Morning, Tampa Bay” was an energetic and charismatic performance that set the tone for the upbeat, celebratory evening. The song, originally performed in “Hairspray”, is a lively number that radiates positivity, and Nicholas brought his own unique flair to the piece.
You’re No Good
“You’re No Good” is a defiant anthem about reclaiming personal power after betrayal, and the trio of Shirley, Byrington, and Hession infused the song with raw emotion and fiery intensity. Shirley’s commanding vocal presence, combined with Byrington and Hession’s harmonies, created a powerful rendition that was equal parts sassy and soulful.
Criminal
With his expressive delivery, Josh Smith captured the angst and vulnerability of the song, which deals with feelings of guilt, desire, and self-reflection. But what made this performance truly stand out was the unexpected twist: Smith pulled an audience member up on stage to join him, setting the stage for a provocative and engaging climax.
The Joker
The combination of these songs created an emotional rollercoaster, echoing both the “good” and “bad” aspects of love, loss, and self-discovery. The powerful harmonies and stage presence of Anson, Omila, and Yarosh brought each song to life, while the unexpected transitions kept the audience engaged and excited.
Bad Girls
The song, which has long been a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and self-expression, came to life as Hession led the charge with his commanding vocals, embodying the carefree and confident spirit of the disco era. Backing him up were Jeremiah Cummings and Gabriel Irizarry, whose tight harmonies and smooth backup vocals added depth and richness to the performance.
For Good
Hayden and Mark, who have been partners both in life and music, brought a special authenticity to the performance. Their harmonious voices blended beautifully as they sang the song’s heartfelt lyrics. It became clear that their personal connection added an extra layer of depth to the performance, making it not just a tribute to Wicked’s iconic characters, but a celebration of their own love and journey together.
Bad Romance
The Gay Men's Chorus brought their own vibrant twist to the track, elevating its bold, theatrical style with their harmonious vocals and captivating stage presence. The combination of Gaga's pop brilliance and the chorus's heartfelt delivery created an unforgettable performance that was both emotionally stirring and visually striking.