Disney PRIDE in Concert
Something magical is coming!
June 24 and 25, 2023
The Parker | www.GMCSF.org
By Denny Patterson
Under the baton of Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is proud to present two incredible concerts of Disney music for Pride Month on June 24 and 25, 2023 at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This spectacular new concert celebrates LGBTQ+ life, love, family, and pride through the combination of timeless songs from the Disney songbook, curated video clips from the Disney vault, and the personal life experience of local chorus members.
“I have been looking forward to these concerts since the first day I heard about this show,” Salazar exclaims. “This concert is a unique program of music with which everyone can relate. I am most excited about seeing each aspect come together – our singers, their personal stories throughout the concert, the orchestral score, the movie projections, and so many other exciting parts.”
Chorus President Tony Corrente Agrees
First premiering in Boston in June 2022, Disney PRIDE in Concert features sparkling new arrangements and draws musical inspiration from iconic Disney films like The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Mary Poppins, to modern movie classics such as Coco, Zootopia, Wreck-It Ralph, while also including the magical music of the Disney Parks. All music is interwoven with universal storytelling themes stemming from the power of the diverse chorus community.
“Get ready for a night of Disney songs that will make you smile and give you hope,” Board Chair Fred Boykin says. “In these political times in our state, where our lives as LGBTQ+ people have been put in the spotlight, this is a concert in which you can find pride in yourself and leave with a renewed sense of joy.”
We as an LGBTQA+ community are living in an unprecedented time of discrimination – encouraged by our local, state, and federal levels of government. The social and political climate not only allows, but encourages discriminatory legislation. This is already negatively impacting many individuals and organizations. The GMCSF’s Executive Director, Mark Kent, believes Disney PRIDE in Concert is an extremely timely, significant, and needed effort to reinforce the respect for all people and all times.
“There seems to be a rise in LGBTQ+ negative sentiment by a vocal minority segment of Florida’s population,” he explains. “Disney’s music is filled with optimism and hope, and I feel it is very timely for the LGBTQ+ community to hear messages like, ‘Believe!’ and ‘Wishes do come true.’”
As one of the country’s top 10 largest LGBTQ+ choruses and reaching more than 20,000 people annually, the GMCSF continually seeks to bring song to the community through large-scale, mainstage concerts in high-profile venues, community-based engagements, and volunteer projects. With over 170 members, the chorus has earned a strong reputation for excellence, garnering prestigious invitations to perform throughout the South Florida region.
In the past, Disney has had a mixed bag of experiences with the LGBTQ+ community, but many are appreciative with how the company as a whole is becoming more progressive.
“Disney is such a large global corporation that has come around to the LGBTQ+ community in so many ways,” Salazar says. “They have continued supporting our community by allowing us to share just a little of Disney magic with our audience and community. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Disney to bring a show to our community that aligns with our mission as The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.”
“Disney also recognizes itself as the family entertainment leader,” Chorus Vice President, Jonathan Sanz, adds. “With that, there’s a responsibility to represent all types of families and introduce queer characters and themes. A central tenet for the Disney parks is that ‘to all that come to this happy place, welcome.’ Disney has embraced that message.”
Bill Spinosa, vice president of membership and a founding GMCSF member, is ecstatic for the chorus to give this memorable concert its Florida debut.
“It is wonderful to see that we have opened up hearts, changed minds, and given a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless throughout our community through our music and message,” he says. “That was our intent from the beginning, and it has expressed itself differently for the past thirteen years.”
Additionally, according to Director of Marketing & Sponsorship, Edward Otto Zielke, the June 25 performance, which begins at 3pm, will have a pre-show starting at 2pm.
“This family-friendly event will include activities, games, costume contests, and fun for kids of all ages,” he says. “Tickets are going fast, so make sure to get yours soon!”
If all goes successful, Salazar can see the chorus performing Disney PRIDE in Concert sometime again.
“Disney is timeless, so I see us doing this show in the future, but we may wait at least a few years,” he says.
