Friend Like Me
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay Dazzles with a Showstopping “Friend Like Me” Featuring Soloist Elwyn Dragoste on October 17, 2025, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay will light up the stage at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a high-energy, crowd-pleasing performance of “Friend Like Me.” Featuring the charismatic Elwyn Dragoste as soloist and sung in Howard Ashman’s arrangement of the Alan Menken classic from Aladdin, this number promises to be one of the most vibrant highlights of The Most Magical Concert in Tampa Bay.
“Friend Like Me” is beloved for its playful humor, fast-paced lyricism, and dazzling showmanship—qualities that translate beautifully into a choral setting. Ashman’s arrangement captures the Broadway-style brilliance of the original, expanding it into a rich and rhythmic ensemble piece bursting with personality. Jazz-infused harmonies, syncopated vocal patterns, and lively character work create a dynamic musical environment that gives both the soloist and the chorus room to shine.
At center stage, Elwyn Dragoste brings irresistible charm and theatrical flair to the iconic Genie role, anchoring the number with a spirited vocal delivery and warm, magnetic presence. As Dragoste sings, Kenny Seguin embodies Aladdin with expressive movement and playful physicality, bringing the story to life through his acting and interaction with the Genie. Together, their chemistry fuels the scene, with Dragoste’s powerful tenor voice resonating the song’s witty storytelling and clever musical twists while Seguin’s performance adds visual humor and heart. The interplay between soloist and actor elevates the number into a full-scale spectacle of fun, energy, and vocal virtuosity.
Elwyn and Kenny’s synergy of gleeful vocals and playful choreography fuses into a powerful performance, embodying the humor and heart that make “Friend Like Me” such an enduring favorite. The acoustical warmth of Allendale United Methodist Church enhances every moment, allowing the arrangement’s crisp textures and soaring passages to resonate fully.
As part of The Most Magical Concert in Tampa Bay, this performance offers audiences a joyful burst of theatrical magic—celebrating friendship, exuberance, and the power of music to lift spirits and spark delight.