The Indianapolis Men’s Chorus is back at IndyFringe Festival with a wowser of a show at the Athenaeum. The chorus has been around about 34 years, and they recently named their very first Executive Director, Stephen McCoy. They have performed with Josh Groban and Andre Bocelli, and local organizations like the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and the Indianapolis Opera. The are serious about their music, but not too serious, as this year’s IndyFringe show proved.
“The Royal Tea” showcases the songs of musical royalty — Prince, Queen, Nat “King” Cole, Duke Ellington — plus songs like “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder, and the musical queens of the Broadway musical SIX, and so much more. The evening ends with a homage to RuPaul, with a lot of sashay and sass and joyful inclusion.
This is not your high school choir — unless your high school concert choir was far, far, cooler than mine. They achieved tight, clear harmonies on Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” and the beautiful “Stand By Me.” There was a rousing rendition of “Sir Duke” and “Raspberry Beret” that had the audience singing along. “Unforgettable” was a lovely rendition of the American Classic Songbook that was staged with elegance and simplicity. These performers can do it all, and do it all very well.
The show is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears, as the gang provided lively choreography to the tunes. The RuPaul parade was a diva-tastic showcase of moves “runway” style.
Tickets to “The Royal Tea” sell out fast, so you need to book the last two shows now, if not sooner. Visit indyfringe.org to reserve tickets for the Sept. 2 at 5:15 p.m. or Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. shows. You will be glad you did.
