The Most Magical Concert in Tampa Bay
Allendale UMC
October 17, 2025
Disney Movie Showstoppers
From the moment the medley began, the sanctuary filled with an atmosphere of nostalgia and delight. Huff’s arrangement—known for its seamless transitions between iconic Disney melodies—served as the perfect showcase for the chorus’s blend of vocal precision, theatrical flair, and heartfelt joy.
Beauty and the Beast
Craig James’s arrangement offers a fresh emotional dimension to the iconic Menken & Ashman ballad. Expanding the song’s intimacy into lush, full-chorus harmonies, the arrangement allows the ensemble to explore the piece’s themes of love, acceptance, and transformation with renewed depth.
Be Prepared
At the center of the performance is soloist Hayden Greer, whose commanding presence and vocal confidence bring the villainous spirit of the piece to life. Greer’s interpretation captures the song’s sly charisma while blending seamlessly with the chorus’s robust harmonies.
You’ll Be In My Heart
For the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay, “You’ll Be In My Heart” embodies themes that lie at the heart of their mission—love, belonging, and the enduring ties that hold communities together. Their performance brings these themes to life with sincerity and sensitivity, inviting the audience to reflect on the power of unconditional care.
Go the Distance
The message of “Go the Distance” aligns deeply with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s mission of resilience, authenticity, and community empowerment. Their performance promises to transform the beloved Disney number into a moving expression of collective strength—an affirmation that the quest for belonging and purpose is one we undertake together.
Disney Dreams and Wishes
John Shirley’s arrangements are known for their shimmering harmonies, expressive phrasing, and the ability to capture nostalgia without sacrificing musical sophistication. In Disney Dreams and Wishes, he weaves together timeless melodies from the Disney songbook, shaping them into a seamless tapestry of hope, imagination, and childhood wonder.
I’ll Make a Man Out of You
For the chorus, the piece is a natural fit. Known for blending polished musicianship with charismatic performance, they channel the song’s motivational intensity while infusing it with their own trademark warmth and flair. Accurso’s arrangement gives each section of the chorus opportunities to shine—calling for crisp articulation, and ensemble precision that highlight the group’s versatility.
Hakuna Matata
Beaty, Compton, and Hamilton step into the roles of Disney’s iconic characters with charisma and ease, channeling the comedic banter and exuberant personality that make the song unforgettable. Their vocal blend and lighthearted performance style bring warmth and humor to the stage, while the surrounding chorus provides a lush musical backdrop that enhances the song’s joyful spirit.
Reflection
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s performance of “Reflection” invites listeners to contemplate their own journeys—moments of searching, growth, and the courage it takes to live one’s truth. Each phrase is delivered with sensitivity and intention, highlighting the ensemble’s ability to merge technical excellence with genuine emotional storytelling.
Friend Like Me
At center stage, Elwyn Dragoste brings irresistible charm and theatrical flair to the iconic Genie role. With a spirited vocal delivery and a warm, magnetic presence, Dragoste anchors the performance, guiding the ensemble through the song’s witty storytelling and clever musical twists. His interplay with the chorus elevates the number into a full-scale spectacle of fun, energy, and vocal virtuosity.
God Help the Outcasts/Out There
Soloists Kevin Beckett and Gabriel Irizarry bring exceptional emotional clarity to their roles. Beckett, delivering the introspective “God Help the Outcasts,” sings with warmth and sincerity, capturing Esmeralda’s plea for justice and compassion. Irizarry’s rendition of “Out There” offers a striking contrast, bursting with vocal power and a passionate sense of longing. Together, they create a compelling emotional arc supported by the rich harmonies of the full ensemble.
Poor Unfortunate Souls
Cody Smith-Rollins commands the stage with a mix of cunning charisma and bold vocal artistry. His interpretation captures the scheming nature of Ursula while delivering the number’s tongue-in-cheek humor and dramatic flair, engaging the audience with every nuanced phrase. The interplay between Smith-Rollins and the chorus adds layers of energy and theatricality, highlighting the ensemble’s versatility and musical precision.
AriAnna PocaMoa
The Petit Four—Cummings, Omila, Rolon, and Taullahu—deliver a performance full of precision, charm, and stage presence. Their dynamic interaction adds comedic timing, expressive phrasing, and energetic engagement, turning the medley into a miniature theatrical event within the concert. Nhick’s clever harmonies created a vibrant tapestry that kept the audience enthralled.
Let It Go
Soloist Nethaneel Williams brings remarkable vocal power and expressive nuance to the performance, capturing both the vulnerability and triumph embedded in the song. His interpretation draws the audience into the emotional journey, conveying the sense of liberation and self-empowerment that has made “Let It Go” resonate with audiences worldwide.
Seize the Day
GMCTB delivers the song’s message with enthusiasm and vitality, capturing the spirit of youthful optimism and resilience at the heart of the piece. Their expressive dynamics, rhythmic articulation, and spirited energy invite the audience to join in the celebration of ambition, courage, and unity. Emerson’s arrangement allows each voice to shine while maintaining an exhilarating ensemble sound.
M-I-C-K-E-Y G-M-C-T-B
As the final “M-I-C… K-E-Y…” rang out, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay reminded everyone present why their concerts resonate so deeply. By blending artistry with heart, and humor with purpose, they closed the night on a note that was unmistakably magical—leaving St. Petersburg smiling long after the exit song faded.