Gaston

In one of the most laugh-out-loud, show-stealing numbers of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s “Say My Name!”concert on March 22, 2025, at the Jaeb Theater in Tampa’s Straz Center, the chorus’s beloved small ensemble, the Rainbros, delivered a campy, showtune spectacle with their performance of “Gaston” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Reimagined with bold queer flair and gleeful theatrics, the number celebrated bravado, body hair, and unapologetic over-the-top masculinity—with Vic Omila front and center in the titular role, commanding the stage as an absolutely unforgettable Gaston.

From the opening bars, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your standard Disney homage. The Rainbros leaned into every comedic opportunity the song offers—hamming up the tavern setting, flouncing through synchronized choreography, and firing off the self-aggrandizing lyrics with infectious, exaggerated pride. But it was Omila’s performance that truly sent the crowd into hysterics. With booming vocals, perfectly-timed comedic expressions, and a devil-may-care swagger, he transformed Gaston from a cartoon villain into a queer icon of ridiculous confidence.

The crowd reached peak frenzy during the infamous "and every last inch of him’s covered with hair" section—when, to uproarious cheers and shrieking applause, Omila pulls up his shirt to reveal a gloriously hairy chest, striking a muscle-flexing pose that blended Broadway camp with unapologetic body pride. It was part burlesque, part drag-king fantasy, and 100% crowd-pleasing. The moment turned the traditional Disney bravado into a joyful celebration of queer masculinity in all its natural, unapologetic glory.

Supporting vocals from the rest of the Rainbros were tight and theatrical, with ensemble members adopting the roles of Gaston’s overzealous fanboys and tavern buddies. Their comedic timing, synchronized eye rolls, exaggerated adoration, and polished harmonies elevated the piece from parody to fully staged production number. Every punchline landed, every wink and hip thrust was delivered with precision, and every beat of the song was packed with personality.

Thematically, “Gaston” fit perfectly into Say My Name!—a concert built around identity, self-presentation, and reclaiming names and narratives. In this context, the Rainbros’ version became a queer triumph of self-image and subversion, flipping Gaston’s hyper-masculine arrogance into something hilariously self-aware, body-positive, and inclusive. Rather than mocking confidence, it celebrated it—turning the villain into a hero of camp, comedy, and self-love.

As the final notes rang out and Omila struck one last over-the-top pose, the audience erupted with laughter, whistles, and cheers—one of the loudest applause of the night. The Rainbros didn’t just perform a song; they delivered a full-on musical moment that dazzled with talent, creativity, and unapologetic queer joy.