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Following record-breaking attendance during the 2008-2009 season, Heartland Men's Chorus has announced an upcoming season featuring holiday treats, popular music, and a collaboration with special guests from the West Coast.

The season begins with Fruitcake (December 4-6, 2009), a blend of traditional Christmas music and the outrageous humor for which the Chorus has become known. "I like to think of it as a little spicy, a little fruity and a little nutty," says artistic director Dr. Joe Nadeau.

The Chorus has joined with seven other gay choruses to commission a major work which will serve as the concert's second act. Entitled, "A Very Special Christmas Special," the piece will highlight music from vintage television Christmas specials. "It's very much in the vein of the Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone," says Nadeau. "A narrator who absolutely adores old Christmas specials shares that love with the audience and the musical numbers from the various specials come to life as he describes them."

For its spring offering, the Chorus travels across the pond for British Invasion (March 27 & 28, 2010). Highlighting British popular music, the concert will feature numbers made famous by The Beatles, Elton John and Queen, among others.

"Our recent popular concerts such as Divas! and HeartThrobs have been overwhelmingly popular," says Nadeau. "This spring we hope to continue the trend as we combine music, dance and production elements for another high-energy show, but one with a decidedly English flavor."

In summer, HMC welcomes Portland Gay Men's Chorus as its special guests for the joint concert Go West, Young Man (June 12 & 13, 2010). More than 200 singers will take the stage for a celebration of American music and classic American composers.

"After a concert showcasing the best musical imports, I wanted to come back home and focus on Americana," says Nadeau. "Portland Gay Men's Chorus will be celebrating their 30^th anniversary at the time of the concert and we're thrilled they've agreed to share the stage with us." The men of HMC will travel to Portland the week after their Kansas City performance to present the same program to Oregon audiences.

All of HMC's 2009-2010 performances will take place at the Folly Theater, 300 West 12^th Street. Season tickets will be on sale starting July 15 at www.hmckc.org

By KCM Staff