Indianapolis Men’s Chorus – Courtesy of Shotwell Photography. Used with permission.
One thing you can depend on when witnessing an Indianapolis Men’s Chorus concert, especially its annual holiday offering, is lighthearted exuberance. Such was the case Saturday, Dec. 20, when I saw The Holiday Show at the Warren Performing Arts Center.
Indianapolis Men’s Chorus – Courtesy of Shotwell Photography. Used with permission.
Led by IMC Artistic Director Greg Sanders, who also directed the production, the program featured a mix of pop and classic holiday tunes, a chorus of singer-dancers, polished production numbers, and comedy sketches. The result was less a traditional stand-and-sing choral concert and more a fully staged musical revue.
Also featured was an accomplished six-piece band consisting of Matthew Richardson on piano, Andrew Howard on drums, Conner Green on bass, Joel Tucker on guitar, Eric Baker on violin, and Quinn Romie on reeds — all delivered with a dose of the lighthearted, sassy humor for which IMC, a primarily LGBTQ+ ensemble, is celebrated.
A special attraction was Richie Gregory, who expertly played the Golden Voiced Barton Theatre Organ, provided by the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. Once housed at the Indiana Theatre and now calling Warren its home, the magnificent 18-rank, three-manual instrument added a spectacular and dramatic touch to the concert.
Indianapolis Men’s Chorus -Courtesy of Shotwell Photography. Used with permission.
Standout performances includeded the traditional crowd favorite Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, featuring Matthew Ambrosen, Scott Archer, Drew Hedges, Patrick Kuntz, Jared McElroy, Edric Mitchell, Matty Rohrer, Jacob Tribby, and Chase Wagner. Other highlights included a medley of Back Home Again in Indiana / Indiana Christmas, with Gregory offering an organ solo on the former and Steve Beebe and Tim Luczak shining on the latter; and Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man This Christmas) / It’s Raining (Snowing) Men, featuring Matthew Altman and Matty Rohrer as the Weather Girls, along with Matthew Ambrosen, Josh Harrington, Marquist Henderson, Patrick Kuntz, Chase Wagner, Patrick Wagner, and the full chorus.
Additional strong moments included Matt Burley’s solo in If I Had My Way / Endless Night; Glory Hallelujah to duh Newbo’n King / Go Tell It on the Mountain with soloists Milo Ellis and Edric Mitchell; Jared McElroy’s expressive solo in In the Bleak Midwinter; and soloist Tyler Haskough leading a breathtaking performance of Silent Night, which brought the concert to a moving close.
Deserving of special praise is choreographer Jared Norman, who adroitly guided the professional-caliber chorus of dancers — all of whom performed with precision, executing Norman’s snappy movement with skillful aplomb.
Indianapolis Men’s Chorus – Courtesy of Shotwell Photography. Used with permission.
Ensuring the concert maintained the professional polish IMC audiences have come to expect were the substantial contributions of a superlative production team, including Lighting Designer Matthew Cunningham, Sound Designer Miles Hall, Video and Projections Designer Zach Rosing, and Costumer Jeffery Crooks.
Adding to the uplifting nature of the show were the touching video sound bites projected on screens flanking the stage. Featuring selected IMC members, these clips helped put a personal face on the chorus and reinforced the strong sense of connection that defines the ensemble.
Beneath the humor and spectacle, The Holiday Show also carried a gentle throughline about belonging and chosen family. Through laughter, music, and shared tradition, IMC once again demonstrated its unique ability to blend entertainment with heart, offering audiences not just a holiday concert, but a communal experience rooted in warmth, acceptance, and joy.
For tickets or information about the 2025-2026 IMC season visit The Indianapolis Men’s Chorus website.
