Emmy Winner and GMCLA alum MELVIN ROBERT joins as guest artist with soprano Nicole Heaston for AND THE BEAT GOES ON
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Melvin Robert performing with GMCLA in 2018. Phot Credit: Gregory Zabilski
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA)
welcomes home Emmy-Award winning host and GMCLA alum
Melvin Robert
as guest artist joining previously announced
guest soprano Nicole Heaston for
AND THE BEAT GOES ON
Celebrating R&B, Motown, gospel, and musical theater
at the historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills
for two concerts only
on March 21 and 22, 2026
Tickets are now on sale at www.GMCLA.org!
LOS ANGELES, CA (February 12, 2026) – The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) is thrilled to announce that Emmy-Award winning host, actor, singer and producer Melvin Robert will join previously announced guest artist soprano Nicole Heaston for its Spring 2026 concert, AND THE BEAT GOES ON. A beloved figure in Los Angeles, Robert charmed audiences as a member of GMCLA from 2013–2018 before bringing his charisma to television screens across the country. He is the Entertainment Anchor on the KTLA 5 Morning News, LA’s #1 morning show.
Under the direction of Music Director & Conductor Ernest H. Harrison, the 200-member Chorus will return to the historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills (8440 Wilshire Boulevard) to perform on March 21 and 22, 2026. Tickets are available here.
From gospel, R&B, Motown, and Broadway, GMCLA brings the beat, rhythm, and heart and soul of some of the best music ever written. Featuring the greatest hits from the icons like Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Gladys Knight, to the musicals that really groove like Dreamgirls and The Wiz. Stunning gospel works will showcase the power GMCLA’s 200 voices, making this a one-of-a-kind musical event.
“I am truly delighted that GMCLA alum and my dear friend, Melvin Robert, is joining the Chorus as guest soloist for these concerts,” said Executive Director & Producer Lou Spisto. “Before his rise to fame as a television journalist, I knew Melvin as a powerhouse musical theater performer with great vocals and the ability to tell a story through song. He now tells wonderful stories to a larger audience every day, and I’m so glad he agreed to come back home to our stage.”
"The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles has played such a pivotal role in my life," said guest artist Melvin Robert. "It gave me the wings to fly. That’s the power of the experience and the music—it transforms, it inspires, it heals. I’m so excited to be returning home."
Robert is a multi-hyphenate talent: actor, singer, producer and Emmy Award–winning host. You can catch him weekdays as the Entertainment Anchor on the “KTLA 5 Morning News,” LA’s #1 morning show. He previously co-anchored “Good Day LA” and served as a senior correspondent and weekend host on the nationally syndicated, Emmy-winning entertainment news magazine “EXTRA,” with additional appearances as a special correspondent on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”
A Southern California native born and raised in Inglewood, Robert was part of the original talent team that launched Spectrum News 1 SoCal, where he co-anchored “Your Morning on Spectrum News 1” and hosted the arts and culture magazine show “The SoCal Scene.” Known for his infectious energy, authenticity, and ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
He was named Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the L.A. Press Club in 2022.
Robert’s acting credits include: (TV) “The Young & the Restless,” “Hacks,” “LA’s Finest,” “The Fix.” (Film) “Why Him?” (Theatre) Rent, Miss Saigon, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, The Bayou Legend, Alex in Wonderland and Karishma.
He is a graduate of Loyola High School of Los Angeles and Loyola Marymount University.
Previously announced guest artist soprano Nicole Heaston is a regular presence at leading opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, Glyndebourne Festival, Royal Danish Opera, Staatsoper Hamburg, Den Norske Opera, and Theater Basel.
Upcoming GMCLA Season 47 Schedule
DECLARATIONS OF INDEPENDENCE
Saban Theatre | Beverly Hills
June 27 & 28, 2026
As the U.S. turns 250, we raise our voice for independence and pride with powerhouse songs that are both communal and personal. The Chorus will perform some of the most important and exciting music ever written – from the iconic protest songs of Guthrie, Dylan, and Lennon, to the heart-stopping personal (and proudly gay) anthems from La Cage aux Folles, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Rent, Wicked, and The Wizard of Oz. It’s a remarkable celebration of nation, community, and every individual seeking freedom.
DECLARATIONS OF INDEPENDENCE will go on sale at a later date.
Bios and photos can be found here.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES, under the leadership of Executive Director & Producer Lou Spisto and Music Director & Conductor Ernest H. Harrison, is in its 47th year of music and service. GMCLA continues to garner acclaim for artistic excellence while remaining deeply rooted in service to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance, and acceptance through music. Founded in 1979 during the emergence of the gay rights movement, GMCLA has raised its collective voice in the movement toward equality, social justice, the AIDS crisis, the fight for marriage equality, and all those seeking to find their own voice. Critics have proclaimed the Chorus “inspired” and “expressive, innovative, and utterly moving,” and have hailed GMCLA for presenting “meaningful entertainment.” GMCLA’s free community concert program has provided access to concerts to thousands each year, and its innovative Alive Music Project has served over 100,000 high school students to date. GMCLA is delighted to return to Los Angeles’ historic Saban Theatre where our most recent season’s SugarPlum Fairies, Rhinestone Cowboys, and Dancing Queens were tremendously well received. The Chorus has performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Royce Hall, and the Alex Theatre, in addition to appearing at New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall, as well as touring throughout Europe, Russia, and South America. With these tours, as well as extensive presence on YouTube and social media, the Chorus has developed followers across the globe. To that end, in August 2026 GMCLA will embark on a European Tour. The Chorus is honored to be one of five ensembles invited to perform at events throughout World Pride Amsterdam, including a concert at the historic Concertgebouw. Following this exciting week, GMCLA will travel to the United Kingdom for several performances at the Actors Church in London’s Covent Garden.
