The Most Magical Concert in Tampa Bay
Allendale UMC
October 17, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.