Nearly 1,200 audience members packed the Harris Theater Dec. 5 for the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus ( CGMC ) holiday show. A drag queen aptly named Christmas Queen served as narrator and stand-up comedienne in between songs, at times plopping down on a large throne. The theme this year was "YuleTube," playing off the website YouTube, with various festive renditions of songs from the past placed in a random order.
The classic cartoon Peanuts kicked things off with "Christmas Is Coming," and was followed by several more songs by Vince Guaraldi, who composed songs for Peanuts' animated features.
"What's This?," from Nightmare Before Christmas, gave things a modern twist.
A dancing group of Santas appeared a few times, along with reindeer and spritely elves for holiday cheer.
Television's Rankin and Bass stop-animation features were in the house, with the Heat and Snow misers making appearances.
Suzy Snowflake, played by David Arias in ballerina drag, had a wig malfunction that was played off so well it seemed suspiciously on purpose.
The lighting by Margaret Nelson was simple, moving from Christmas tree ornaments to Jewish decorations for the number "Can I Interest You In Hanukkah?"
Lawrence Welk stopped in while tiny bubbles filled the stage for a dance number.
Saturday Night Live sketches were a hit with the crowd for "The Rhythm of Christmas." Also, drag Sweeney Sisters perfectly mimicked the cornball duo in a medley.
The usually cringeworthy "The Chipmunk Song" was actually fun, as it was led by a the trio led by a singer with a similar Alvin voice.
The Christmas Queen turned into a green Grinch before the end of the second act and "The Lord's Bright Blessing" brought the house down, ending the evening with smart choreography executed by the massive choir.
Retiring Artistic Director Patrick Sinozich passed the crown over to Jimmy Morehead, who takes over after this show. Sinozich wrote the production along with Bill Larkin.
Since 1983, CGMC has entertained audiences by performing classics from The Wizard of Oz to The Mikado.
"YuleTube" will next take place Dec. 20 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Stay tuned to cgmc.org to learn about upcoming events such as the Winter Cabaret in February.