By Amber Rubio
The Stage Door has brought Southern Utah a fresh unseen production in Altar Boysat the Electric Theater in St. George. Altar Boyz is a religious satire that also has sincere heart and warmth. Altar Boyz was written by Kevin Del Aguila, based on an idea by Marc J. Kessler and Ken Davenport, music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker. It first appeared off Broadway on Dodger Stages (now the New World Stages) on March 1, 2005 and had a run till January 10, 2010, showing over 2,000 times. It is the ninth longest-running off-Broadway musical of all time. In 2005, it won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical.
Altar Boyz takes us through the journey of the final concert of a five-member Christian Rock group from Ohio, where the performance is designed to save the souls of the audience. The upbeat music, tongue-in-cheek dialogue, and audience interaction combines the phenomenon of Christian Rock with the frenzied hype of the boy band craze. The show encourages a rowdy crowd to shout out, clap along with the songs, and shed tears of laughter and heartbreak as the boys open up their lives to their fans.
Each of the members of the band has a specific role, and each of the actors in the Stage Door’s performance meets the challenge head on. The leader of the band, Matthew (Chris Oram), does an amazing job at being both a leader and his oblivious sweetness makes him a favorite. Orem nails the bad boy looks while keeping the sweet, wholesome role of an altar boy front and center. His vocals are clear, strong, and so pleasant to listen to as he dances all over the stage without once slowing down.
Mark (Matthew Christian), the fashion consultant for the band, embodies the over-the-top persona of his character, leaving nothing to the imagination while confessing to nothing, as well. Christian’s subtle actions will have you giggling in anticipation, and you will be on the edge of your seat as he sings his way through “Epiphany.” In addition, Christian’s vocal range is as diverse as his personality and does nothing but enhance the experience he brings to the stage.
Coby Oram is amazing in the role Luke, the tough, clueless, but loyal van driver of the group. The confidence and diversity of his singing style is surprising. He raps, sings, beatboxes, dances, and delivers quick one liners that make you cheer and laugh. He received a Golden Ticket on his audition with American Idol last year and you can hear the talent as he rocks the stage.
Ivan Odom plays the role of Juan, the choreographer of the band, and is the sweetheart of the group. His endearing and joyful performance lifts the burdens from the audience. While Andrew Swan (Abraham) is the only Jewish member of the Altar Boyz and the songwriter. Swan’s slightly awkward, but oh-so-cool line delivery leaves the crowd gasping for air as he lands the best jokes of the night, one after the other.
While each of the performers is a juggernaut in their own right, together they are the perfect blend of harmony, balance, and stage control. They really clicked as a band and the harmonies and interactions is some of the best acting I have seen on stage recently.
Altar Boyz has an amazing live band that makes the rock concert come to life. Matt Szymanski, Matt LeFevre, Chad Roundy, and Thomas Anderson take the stage by force, and are a show to watch in and of itself. LeFevre on the drums made my daughter gasp as he threw his sticks up and twirled them without missing a beat.
The show team manages to work theater magic, making for a big-feeling show despite the small cast. Director James Royce Edwards does real justice to this show in addition to acting as the MC, his excitement palpable right from the start. Choreographer Christine France also runs with the spirit of the show, incorporating humor as well as the hottest dance trends from the 90s to today. In addition, Jennifer Roberts (Lighting Designer), Jeremey Poston (Sound Designer), and Kerry Perry (Costume Design), make hundreds of small, thoughtful decisions that add to the impact of the show—from the “bling” of a Star of David around Swan’s neck to the stadium sound of the music.
Altar Boyz’s religious humor and warmth will make you laugh, cry, and feel like these characters are real people in your life. It’s a great, family-friendly show for all ages, since some of the more adult humor is subtle enough that young children won’t notice the subtext. It’s a show that inspires, uplifts, and leaves you feeling you’ve made friends you want to see over and over again.
The Stage Door presents Altar Boyz, Book by Kevin Del Aguila (inspired by Marc J Kessler and Ken Davenport), Lyrics and Music by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker.
The Electric Theater, 68 E Tabernacle St. George, UT 84770
March 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 2019 7:30 PM, Sat Matinee on March 23 at 2:30 PM
Tickets: $21
Contact: 435-656-4407, thestagedoortheater@yahoo.com
The Stage Door Theater Company Facebook Page
Altar Boyz, The Musical Facebook Event
0 Comments