CHICAGO—The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) is throwing it back to the raddest decade ever with its newest mainstage show, As If…the Gay ’90s—a high-energy, pop-fueled celebration of the music, fashion, and unforgettable cultural moments of the 1990s. Featuring more than 200 singers and dancers, this full-scale spectacle will be performed May 23-25 at three Chicagoland venues over Memorial Day weekend.
From bubblegum pop to boy bands, grunge anthems to girl power hits, As If…the Gay ’90s captures the heart and soul of a generation—serving up songs by the Spice Girls, Madonna, Alanis Morissette, TLC, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and more. Expect unforgettable vocals, dazzling choreography, and a full-on sensory celebration of the decade that gave us mixtapes, Tamagotchis, and glitter everything.
“Whether you were headbanging in flannel or dancing in platform sneakers, the music of the ‘90s left its mark on all of us,” said James Morehead, CGMC Artistic Director. “We’re thrilled to bring that energy to the stage with a chorus of over 200 voices. It’s going to be big, bold, and bursting with nostalgia.”
“This show is more than a throwback—it’s a celebration of queer joy and the music that helped a generation come of age,” added CGMC Managing Director Kevin Corbett. “We want to ensure that our community is seen, heard, and welcome at CGMC.”
Whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering the ‘90s for the first time, As If…the Gay ’90s invites audiences to sing along, dance in their seats, and celebrate the moments that defined a decade. Tickets are available now at cgmc.org/spring.
WHEN/WHEREFriday, May 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM – Studebaker Theatre, Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 8:00 PM – Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium, 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM – North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077TICKETS
Tickets range from $30 – $60 with additional per ticket fees. All sales are final – no refunds or exchanges. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit cgmc.org/spring.
ABOUT CHICAGO GAY MEN’S CHORUS
The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983. For more than three decades, the chorus has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming exploring everything from love to politics to the sometimes fabulous, sometimes challenging world of being gay; often all at the same time. Our always-memorable performances have included original musical revues; full-length book musicals; traditional choral concerts and intimate cabaret presentations; all punctuated with our signature joyous irreverence. Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2001. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs presented CGMC with the 2023 award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities in honor of LGBTQIA+ history month in October 2023. The Chicago City Council passed a resolution celebrating CGMC’s 40th Anniversary in December 2023, and the Chorus was recognized by Mayor Brandon Johnson.