Seattle Women's Chorus Performs Hallows in the Cathedral: Spirits Rising

For a journey that begins with church music and ends with creepy, "Hallows in the Cathedral: Seattle Women's' Chorus: Spirits Rising" under the direction of Artistic Director Dennis Coleman, is just the thing.

As the silent cathedral darkened, an organ refrain performed by Mark Biales began. The chorus walked onto their risers from the sides of the cathedral, building anticipation for their first note. Instead, a spoken rendition of Sigfrid Karg-Elert's "Dritte Sinfonische Kanzone, I believe in the life of the world to come," kicked off the evening. Then the cathedral filled with beautiful, hopeful song.

St. Mark's Cathedral is a very imposing historic structure on 10th Avenue E in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Building on the cathedral started in 1928. It is dominated by four massive columns, a large circular window in front and is home to a 3,744 pipe Flentrop organ built in 1965. The acoustics in Saint Mark's highlight the beauty of Seattle Women's Chorus (SWC.) The Halloween backdrop of cutout tombstones was an eerie compliment to St. Mark's design.

In Michelle Roueche's prayerful "Lux Aeterna," blue light surrounded the chorus. Slowly several of them lifted candle flames and words were spoken as if from the grave. Lighting Design is by Patty Mathieu.

"Memory" from "Cats" was especially eerie, with the sopranos and altos singing in different keys at the same time.

"Third Date Question," was performed by Sensible Shoes, SWC's small ensemble of 12 women. The piece, written and directed by Eric Lane Barnes, Associate Artistic Director asks the most important question, "Are you a crazy cat lady?" This was one of the most fun numbers of the evening. The unusual lyrics were delivered in the sweetest, most serious style, with more and more cute stuffed cats appearing from everywhere.

As the moon rises, spirits return. The organ creates the perfect backdrop. Guest star Rebekah Del Rio was introduced. She said, "Everything I've ever gotten is because of this song." She spoke of "Llorando," a Spanish version of Roy Orbison's "Crying." The audience was mesmerized. She commanded the stage with a flower in her hair and was flanked by a dozen chorus members in red robes.

After a brief intermission, the chorus returned in a great variety of costumes including a woman with three heads, a purple squid and the loveliest orange braids around. In Act II, SWC played with the silly Ogden Nash poem "The Wendigo."

"It's tentacles are slithery.... And scummy, slimy, leathery!"

"Masculine Women, Feminine Men" is especially contemporary in speaking to gender and gender roles. Lyrics are by Edgar Leslie. Seven dancers -- three in ties and four in dresses -- danced mixed parts with awesome, fun choreography by Cathy Orr.

Sensible Shoes performed a fantastic rendition of "Rocky Horror in 5 Minutes." The costumes were excellent and the number has just enough Creature of the Night for fun.

SWC does a great job making accommodations for those who are less mobile. Many of the women sing from chairs in front of the risers. Coleman uses the most graceful chair while conducting. SWC was founded in 2002 and is the largest LGBT-identified women's chorus in the world. Coleman has been creating excellence with FHP for 35 years. This is his final season.

Flying House Productions (FHP) is the organization behind both SWC and Seattle Men's Chorus. They do a great job creating assigned seating in the cathedral by numbering each seat with a sticker. That is a small indication of their attention to the many details that make attending a FHP event wonderful and enhance the community.

"Hallows in the Cathedral" runs through Oct. 31 at St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E in Seattle. For information or tickets, call 206-388-1400 or visit www.flyinghouse.org