His lyrics have poignantly expressed everything from the inner turmoil of assassin John Wilkes Booth to the life lessons Jack learned when climbing the beanstalk. And the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washingtonis kicking off its 25th Annversary season by giving DC audiences the chance to appreciate his incomparable career.

The man in question, of course, is the almost universally-admired Stephen Sondheim, and the chorus’ latest production, “Everything’s Coming Up Sondheim,” takes a one-song sample from each of his 16 shows and performs it, cabaret-style. Song selections seem largely centered around the classic Sondheim canon, including “Being Alive” from Company, “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd and “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story, performed by 17 specially-selected chorus members. The show opened over the weekend and continues Nov. 4 and 5 at the GALA Tivoli Theatre in Columbia Heights; tickets are $25.

25 years is a big deal for the GMCW, giving the group an opportunity to recognize its heritage in promoting acceptance and diversity, while providing an outlet for gay talent. The group’s not just about singing, as it contributes its talents and resources to a variety of causes, from singing carols for charity to leading workshops for discussing gay family issues to fighting HIV and AIDS.

If you’ve managed to resist the Sondheim cult so far, the chorus has many other appealing options in the months ahead, which it has dubbed its “Fun, fresh, and Fabulous” season. Highlights include “Showboys!”, a revue containing works by four gay composers in March, and the concert “Singing Free,” with Broadway diva Barbara Cook putting in a guest appearance, in June. For more details on the chorus’ upcoming activities, visit its web site.