SVGMC History | Concert Archives | Other Appearances

Prayers for Bobby

June 22, 1997

Click here for photos of the performance.
Rainbow Pride Performing Arts of San Jose, Inc.
and the
Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus
present a benefit concert...

Joan Van Ark, Guest Narrator

 June 22, 1997 at 4:00 PM
 San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
 Tickets are $20, $30, $40 and $250* and available from:
	BASS at 408/998-BASS or 510/762-BASS
	SVGMC at 408/850-1605
	San Jose/Peninsula PFLAG at 408/269-8418
	Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center
		at 408/293-AGAY

*VIP tickets include a post-concert reception with Joan Van Ark and are available for $250 ($210 of which is tax deductible). VIP tickets are not available from BASS; please contact SVGMC, PFLAG, or the Billy DeFrank Center directly.

The concert program includes several works performed by the Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus and a variety of guest performers. Joan Van Ark, star of TV's Knots Landing as well as many stage and screen productions, will be the voice of Bobby's mother in the principal work Prayers for Bobby. This work is a choral cantata commemorating teenager Bobby Griffith of Walnut Creek (CA) who committed suicide as a result of his parents' reaction to his homosexuality.

This concert benefits programs sponsored by the Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center and PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) that raise the self-esteem of gay and lesbian youth.

Based on the book Prayers for Bobby, written by Leroy Aarons, the music tells the story of how this deeply religious woman prayed that her gay son would be healed, of her anguish over Bobby's suicide, and of her metamorphosis from fearful churchgoer to national crusader for gay youth. Today, Mary Griffith speaks regularly at PFLAG meetings in support of gay youth.

Internationally acclaimed soprano Francine Lancaster sings the role of Mary. Tenor Buddy Symes, Artistic Director of SVGMC, sings the role of Bobby; you will also find his voice on the recently released CD by the New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus. SVGMC will be joined by members of the New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus and Portland Gay Men's Chorus and conducted by Dr. J.A. Kawarsky, the composer of Prayers for Bobby and Artistic Director of the New Jersey Gay Men's Chorus.

For tickets, please call BASS at 408/998-BASS or 510/762-BASS, the SVGMC chorus number at 408/850-1605, the Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center, PFLAG at 408/269-8418, or contact any chorus member.

If you are outside of the area or are unable to attend the concert, please consider making a generous tax-deductible donation. Make checks payable to SVGMC and send them to our mailing address: PO Box 1207, San Jose, CA 95108-1207. You can also charge your donation using VISA or Mastercard by calling 408-850-1605.

SVGMC in Concert:
Prayers for Bobby

Bob and Mary Griffith, Bobby's parents,
joined by Wiggsy Sivertsen,
our Master of Ceremonies for Act I.

 

Francine Lancaster,
singing Ebben?...Ne andro lontana from the opera, La Wally.
An internationally renowned soprano,
Francine also sang the role of Bobby's mother in Prayers for Bobby.

 

The Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus
singing Ave Maria by Franz Biebl.
The trio is comprised of Buddy Symes,
tenor and Artistic Director of SVGMC,
Galt Johnson, baritone, and David Lang, bass.
J. A. Kawarsky conducts.