Seattle Men’s Chorus Gets Down Saturday Night

Thu., June 19, 1997

William Berry Correspondent

Remember the ‘70s? The music of the ‘70s? I had been able to repress the era’s hit songs rather successfully until I heard about the show the Seattle Men’s Chorus is bringing here on tour.

Unlocking memories like a hypnotist looking for lawsuits, the “We Are Family” tune list made me look hard in the mirror and come to a harsh realization. These are my high school years they’re singing about.

Yes, the Seattle Men’s Chorus is dusting off the disco ball and getting sequined up for a bout of Saturday Night Fever. The men have been polishing their platforms and sacking Value Village for polyester in colors Mother Nature shies away from. Maybe some things are best left in the closet.

Seriously, the ‘70s was a decade for awareness and coming out on the national level for the gay and lesbian community. The SMC celebrates the time with the Sister Sledge song “We Are Family” as their anthem. But don’t worry that the show is going to be a history lesson - conductor and artistic director Dennis Coleman says, “There’s hardly a serious moment in it.”

Paul Bauer, the group’s marketing director, said their fun shows usually do better in Spokane than the serious. I suppose that’s because we haven’t seen far enough through the glitz and glamour to recognize the dedication and quality of the chorus. On the other hand, why not have some fun?

Nobody can bring new meaning to a jukebox full of hits like these guys. “Go Away Little Girl,” “Gimme That Thing” and “Dancing Queen” will never be the same. With their own Village People, they will do a medley of “Macho Man,” “YMCA” and “In the Navy.” Dozens more include the Carpenters’ “Top of the World” and “We’ve Only Just Begun,” Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” and “Love Will Keep Us Together” from the Captain and Tennille.

Special guest appearances by “celebrities” include Cher doing “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves.” Yes, guys in drag, omigosh.

Bauer hinted at a few more surprises, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. If you have seen the Seattle Men’s Chorus before, you know what you’re in for. If you haven’t, lighten up a bit and give it a try. “That’s The Way (uh-huh-uh-huh) I Like It” so “I’ll Be There.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: The Seattle Men’s Chorus will present “We Are Family,” a ‘70s retrospective, at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Met. Tickets are $18, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.

This sidebar appeared with the story: The Seattle Men’s Chorus will present “We Are Family,” a ‘70s retrospective, at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Met. Tickets are $18, available at G&B; Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.