Take a Peek Behind the Curtain

Join us as we pull back the curtain in fascinating conversations with notable stage and screen performers, community leaders, and friends of the Chorus. Guests include Kristin Chenowith, Lance Bass, Amy Landecker & Bradley Whitford, and more.

You’ll love these fun and informative chats!

Featured Interviews

Kumu Patrick Makuakāne

Our former Artistic Director, Dr. Timothy Seelig, catches up with Kumu Patrick Makuakāne, director of the Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu hula dance troupe. Our conversation is in celebration of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Patrick is a force to be reckoned with. We know you will fall in love with him and his work just like we did when we first met him. Aloha!

Deke Sharon

Join us as we sit down virtually with the father of contemporary a cappella: Deke Sharon. Deke talks to former SFGMC Artistic Director, Dr. Timothy Seelig, and Associate Artistic Director, Mitch Galli about how the GALA Chorus movement and particularly his work with SFGMC have been a large inspiration in his work. We also take a stroll down memory lane as we reminisce about previous projects we've done together. Thank you Deke for taking the time to sit down with old friends and share your memories about our wonderful times together and talking about the great times to come!

Prince Manvendra

Prince Manvendra talks to SFGMC Executive Director Chris Verdugo about being out in India as well as the efforts he's taken since he came out to increase LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance at home and around the world.

Kristin Chenoweth

Legend of stage and screen, Kristin Chenoweth catches up with Executive Director Chris Verdugo and former SFGMC Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig. A fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Kristin chats about politics, music, mormons, and her humble beginnings as a mega voice in a mega church.

Billy Porter

SFGMC’s Behind the Curtain featuring stage and screen star Billy Porter (Kinky Boots, Pose). Billy is candid with his Hollywood experience, acting, and life. Plus, bejeweled spectacles - nice touch! Hosted by Executive Director Christopher Verdugo and former Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig.

Chasten Buttigieg

You know him as the supportive husband of former Presidential candidate and current Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, but Chasten is an educator, lover of the arts, and advocate for youth - just like SFGMC. Learn more about his life, work, and politics.

Drew Tuma & Reggie Aqui

So many topics covered: Moist tongues, when to clap back, Professional wrestler Gladiator, and so much more!

Laura Benanti

Laura Benanti is a certified Broadway star, with five Tony Award nominations and a win for her performance in the 2008 revival of Gypsy. Ms. Benanti joins Executive Director Chris Verdugo and former SFGMC Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig to talk about her career, activism, and her love for the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.

Bradley Whitford & Amy Landecker

This Hollywood and Broadway power couple met on the set of the groundbreaking drama Transparent and each enjoy wildly successful and multifaceted careers in front of, and behind, the camera. They are also social justice activists recognized for their commitment to progressive political and humanitarian causes. We think they are pretty adorable too!

Wilson Cruz

You know him for his roles on 13 Reasons Why and Star Trek: Discovery, but Wilson Cruz was a trailblazing out actor in his defining role as a queer young person in My So Called Life. He is now an outspoken activist and community leader, speaking here about the importance of LGBTQIA+ representations in the media. Taken from SFGMC’s Crescendo: Voices Rising event on August 17, 2020.

Britney Coleman

Executive Director Chris Verdugo and former Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig welcome Broadway actress and singer Britney Coleman to Behind the Curtain. Britney has starred on Broadway in Tootsie, Beautiful, and this year’s revival of Company. She is also a close friend to SFGMC, joining us as special guest soloist for our 2018 performance of the Andrew Lippa-penned “Unbreakable.”

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a Grammy-nominated star of stage and screen. He sits down with SFGMC Executive Director Chris Verdugo and former Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig to discuss his career, being out in Hollywood, and living an authentic life.

Nicole Paiement

Opera Parallele takes an innovative approach to the art of Opera. They are also close partners to SFGMC and one of the inaugural partners working with us to create programming at the National Queer Center for the Arts. We catch up with Artistic Director and Conductor Nicole Paiement and get to the heart of why partnerships are critical for art organizations right now.

Julian Hornik

Associate Artistic Director Mitch Galli sits in for Executive Director Chris Verdugo and former Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig this week and catches up with Julian. Learn about his interesting road to becoming a composer and his current projects.

Lisa Vroman

Stage actress and Soprano Lisa Vroman catches up with Tim this week. Lisa reminisces about her time in San Francisco as Cristine in Phantom of the Opera, performing with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and more.

Jan Wahl

SFGMC TV goes Behind the Curtain this week with Jan Wahl! Celebrated film and entertainment critic, spirited friend to the LGBTQIA+ community, and lover of SFGMC. Jan explores her Hollywood upbringing, her love for our community, and catches us up on what she’s up to these days - plus, the story behind the hat!

Breanna

If you’ve not had the opportunity to see Breanna perform, you’re missing out! A powerhouse Soprano and community treasure, Breanna discusses how being a trans woman impacts her career and also brings her power.

Curt Branom

You know Curt Branom from his iconic run of more than 20 years with Beach Blanket Babylon, satirizing such iconic historical figures as King Louis XIV, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Bernie Sanders and more. His performance credits span a diverse array of theater and stage performances, as well as serving as an acting coach with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Jake Heggie

Jake Heggie is a renowned composer of It’s A Wonderful Life, Dead Man Walking, Moby Dick, and numerous others. A Guggenheim Fellow, Heggie has performed with numerous singers, composers, musicians, and others.

Heggie & Branom are also married, making them one of San Francisco’s most prized theater couples. They catch up with Dr. Timothy Seelig about what’s going on post-Babylon.

Terrance Kelly

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir are family to SFGMC. Some of our most profound and important moments recently have taken place with them by our side. Artistic Director Terrance Kelly delivers important insights into the state of the world and how we need to come together for each other.

Sister Roma

She’s the most photographed nun on the planet, but we just know her as our friend. Sister Roma is witty, talented, giving, and smart in this special Pride Edition Behind the Curtain.

Mix Tape

Enjoy this mix of clips from our recent Behind the Curtain series on SFGMC TV. Featuring our favorite nuggets from Chasten Buttigieg, Adam Rippon, Britney Coleman, Laura Benanti, Andrew Lippa, and Billy Porter.

Donna Sachet

A legend of the SF drag scene and one of the hardest working hostesses on the planet, Donna Sachet catches up with SFGMC Executive Director Chris Verdugo and former Artistic Director Timothy Seelig. They discuss Pride, drag, queens, and how SFGMC is Donna’s drag mother. We are so glad we got to spend some time with our great friend this Pride!

Holly Near

Holly sits down with former SFGMC Artistic Director and friend Dr. Timothy Seelig to share moments from her memorable career and activism.

Cleve Jones

Former SFGMC Artistic Director Timothy Seelig welcomes LGBTQIA+ icon, author, and activist Cleve Jones who recalls his work and friendship with Harvey Milk and the legacy he has left for generations to come.

Eleni Kounalakis

Eleni Kounalakis is a former Ambassador to Hungary; California’s first female Lieutenant Governor; an author; and a lover of the arts. Executive Director Chris Verdugo and former SFGMC Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig explore why art is important to her, and the State of California.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed

San Francisco Mayor London Breed joins SFGMC Executive Director Chris Verdugo and our former Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig.

Andrew Lippa

SFGMC’s Behind the Curtain welcomes award winning composer and SFGMC friend, Andrew Lippa.

Adam Rippon

Adam Rippon is a figure skating champion and Olympic Medalist. He's also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Learn more about his work, style, and his new Quibi show!

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