Poor Unfortunate Souls
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay Enchants with “Poor Unfortunate Souls” Featuring Soloist Cody Smith-Rollins on October 17, 2025, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay will captivate audiences at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a dazzling performance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Sung in Howard Ashman’s vibrant arrangement of Alan Menken’s iconic The Little Mermaid number, the piece features the charismatic Cody Smith-Rollins as soloist, bringing theatrical flair and vocal brilliance to The Most Magical Concert in Tampa Bay.
“Poor Unfortunate Souls” is celebrated for its darkly playful charm, dramatic storytelling, and larger-than-life personality. Ashman’s arrangement preserves the song’s wicked humor and theatrical energy while enhancing it with choral textures, harmonic richness, and rhythmic sophistication. The chorus amplifies the story’s mischievous spirit, blending perfectly with the soloist’s expressive performance to create a fully immersive experience.
Soloist 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.
Set within the warm, acoustically rich sanctuary of Allendale United Methodist Church, the performance resonates with both intimacy and grandeur. The chorus’s harmonies, coupled with Smith-Rollins’ vibrant storytelling, transform the classic Disney villain anthem into a theatrical highlight that delights and entertains from start to finish.
As part of The Most Magical Concert in Tampa Bay, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” stands out as a show-stopping moment of humor, artistry, and enchantment—demonstrating the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s ability to bring beloved Disney classics vividly to life.