Are you a ‘Super Trouper?’ Come, sing-along!
I was so excited to catch up with Marc Driscoll of Dayton‘s fabulous Gay Men’s Chorus! Word is out about their upcoming sing-along with ‘Mamma Mia‘ the movie. I had to get more information, so we met….and it went something like this!
JS: Marc! So good to see you. So, tell me about your upcoming benefit!
MD: The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is having a Benefit….A Mamma Mia Sing Along which will be held Sunday, April 16 at the Plaza Theatre in Miamisburg (33 South Main Street Miamisburg). Doors will open at 5:00 with the show starting around 6:00. Tickets are $20 a piece and can be purchased through the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus website: daytongaymenschorus.org
JS: That sounds fun, and fantastic! A Sing-Along can mean different things to different people. Elaborate on what folks can expect!
MD: Oh sure…The night will feature a limited song selection from the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus leading into the main event. Audience members will view the 2008 film Mamma Mia featuring the hit songs of ABBA. During the movie, lyrics to songs will appear on screen and audience members will be encouraged to sing along with the film. In addition to this there will be “call out” moments during the film to get members engaged in the story.
JS: The great thing is, we all are familiar with ABBA‘s music, so it surely will have people at ease to sing! You boys always have prizes and such at your events. What about this time around?
MD: Before the show and during the intermission audience members will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for gift baskets featuring donations from several local vendors. Audience members can also purchase alcoholic beverages, soda, and snacks similar to any experience at the movie theatre.
JS: Now look sir, the alcohol will really put people at ease to sing! Good thinking!
MD: YES!!! The idea for the night is for folks to let go and have fun singing along with the movie. It is an opportunity to raise money for the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, but also to have fun with members of the chorus in the audience.
JS: I was in the chorus for one day…literally…but I realized right away, you gentlemen are pros at this. Which brings me to how smart you are to provide the lyrics….
MD: Oh yeah, for sure. The will appear on screen as the movie is playing… This is similar to the traditional “bouncing ball” or karaoke experience.
JS: And I know it’s a benefit for the chorus. How will the proceeds be used?
One of Dayton’s Treasures!
MD: Money raised will be used for things like purchasing the rights to music, securing performance venues, salaries for support staff etc.
JS: Venues like the Plaza Theater!
MD: Exactly! The Plaza Theatre in Miamisburg has been beautifully restored and will be an awesome venue to get to experience ABBA.
JS: Should people dress in a certain way, or do their hair ABBA style?
MD: People are encouraged to wear resort wear or tropical wear to help get in the mood of the film.
JS: Super fun! Before I let you go, what else does the DGMC have coming up…I know you have a devoted fan base, for sure!
20 Years of the DGMC…and more to come!
MD: This year we have been celebrating the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus’ 20th season, and we have been practicing since January to prepare for our Spring show, “Still Gay After All These Years.” This will be held on June 17th at the Dayton Masonic Center at 8:00 PM. This show will be a review of some of our favorite songs throughout the twenty years. In addition, this show is part of our DGMC Gives Back theme for the year. This means that the June concert will be 100% free!
JS: What a treasure we have in Dayton with you guys!! Congrats on 20 years! I know the sing-along will be a hit! THANK YOU for meeting with me!
MD: THANK YOU!
About the DGMC: Founded in 2003, DGMC is committed to continually reaching for excellence in choral music, forging active community partnerships and educating others about the value of diversity. We offer a broad range of musical styles from serious to the sublime—heavy to hysterical. Our members have a dedication to the choral arts and the desire to become part of a singing, gay-affirming community—and, no, you don’t have to be gay to join us!
