Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus’ Upcoming Concert ‘Wicked Wisdom’ explores Belonging and Queer Identity

A concert exploring belonging, resilience and queer identity will bring Broadway music and storytelling to the stage of Orchestra Hall through “Wicked Wisdom,” a collaborative performance centered on the universal human need to belong.

The piece features music by Stephen Schwartz, the composer of the Broadway musical “Wicked,” alongside “Song of Wisdom” from “Old Turtle,” blending choral music, narration and live puppetry to examine how themes of inclusion and self-acceptance resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community.

“The concert is really about belonging, and the LGBTQIA community continually searches for belonging not only externally into the non-queer world but also internally,” says Gerald Gurss, the Artistic Director for TCGMC.

“We have our own struggles with our own community, we have so many ways that we can be more inclusive and embracing of each other,” Gurss says. “I think that every human experience seeks belonging, but especially queer people and queer identities.”

The story concludes with Old Turtle whispering to the humans that there can be enough for everyone, that there is a place where all belong, and that perhaps one day humans will learn to live in peace.

“We’re taking inspiration not just from ‘Wicked,’ but from many of the musicals Stephen Schwartz has written, including ‘Godspell,’ ‘Pippin,’ ‘The Prince of Egypt’ and, of course, ‘Wicked,’” Gurss explains.

“In each of these musicals, there is a character searching for a place to belong. In ‘Pippin,’ you have someone journeying to find where their corner of the sky is. In ‘Wicked,’ you have someone with green skin thrown into a world of people who don’t look like her. That’s why queer people identify with her so strongly, because sometimes we feel like we don’t fit in.”

For many LGBTQ+ people, TCGMC’s concerts have long provided more than entertainment, offering a sense of belonging and affirmation that extends well beyond the stage.

“We all want to belong in some way,” Gurss says. “Whether it’s our gender identity, sexuality, faith, political beliefs or our chosen and blood families. Belonging is such a powerful force for everyone, but especially for queer people.”

Gurss said the production is strengthened by its visual elements, particularly the collaboration with Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre.

“They are iconic in the Twin Cities,” Gurss says. “They make puppets the size of elephants and sometimes the smallest, simplest masks. They move among the audience, create awe and make people smile. Having them portray animals and help tell the story on stage really brings the storytelling to life.”

The concert also features two narrations by KARE 11’s Jason Hackett, which help guide the story over the music.

“All three organizations involved are aligned in their core values,” Gurss says. “Leaving space for all voices to be heard and showing respect for the community and the individual. They are artistic forces in this community, and together we elevate each other.”

Gurss said the concert is designed to offer both reflection and escape.

“I want the audience to experience moments that transport them away from what’s happening in our world,” Gurss says. “Sometimes we can’t sit in that brutal space for too long, or we lose the energy to give hope to others. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

The program also addresses current social issues. One song in the first half, “God Help the Outcasts” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Schwartz.

The song is paired with the inscription from the base of the Statue of Liberty.

“‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,’” Gurss recites. “There’s a hypocrisy in our country where this is what we claim to stand for, yet we tell certain people they don’t belong.”

The concert ultimately leaves audiences with a message of responsibility and hope, encouraging people to consider how they show up for one another and to remember that belonging is not just a theme of the performance, but a call to be better human beings.

On their Facebook page, TCGMC wrote “This will be a special one” in reference to Wicked Wisdom. Performances will take place on April 4 at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.