It's Raining Men

You can still get seats in the mid-orchestra for this year's musical by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington. This is important because the costumes and the set design are the most mind-blowing part of the production, so you really want a seat up close. Remember that the men in the chorus all have day jobs in addition to rehearsing and putting on this performance -- the only non-volunteer is special guest, Broadway actor Sam Harris -- and the energy lavished on this project starts to sink in. All this work for a mere two shows, not even a Friday opening night this year. This is the epitome of ephemeral theater. It pains me. Is that why Tylenol was a sponsor last year?

Unlike performances past ("The Wizard of Oz," "Bye Bye Birdie"), this year's show is a medley of songs. The chorus adds choreography to selections from movies and musicals to celebrate not female divas (no Babs, no Judy Garland), but men. There are tributes to Rock Hudson, Rocky, The Rock. Dad. And "If You Were Gay," complete with puppets, from "Avenue Q." I only wish they'd do "What a Piece of Work Is Man" from "Hair."

-- Anne