When we were in NYC in 2005 we saw the ads for Altar Boyz at the then Dodger Stages (now New World Stages) off broadway when we went to see the Great American Trailer Park Musical. Another day and another dollar and we likely would have gone to the show then. For some reason it sounds like the kind of musical spoof that would be funny and entertaining. I mean – picking on religion and boy-bands at the same time? How can it miss? Fortunately the Raleigh Little Theatre decided to do the show.
The show is fun – the music is good and the plot is easy to follow. The humor is appropriate and while the talent that appeared in Raleigh is probably not ready for a real off-Broadway production it isn’t bad. I mean – you are paying $20 for a ticket vs. the $60+ you would pay for the same show in NYC. The set is great – see the pre-show picture to the left and the music is catchy and fun – just like you would expect boy-band pop to be. I think this show is definitely worth seeing especially if you appreciate a light-hearted look at the world. If you are serious about religion or boy bands this may not be the show for you.
The official write-up on the show…
HOLY HIT! Our Fall Musical! Winner of the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, Altar Boyz is a fast-paced, booty-swinging musical comedy about a fictitious Catholic boy-band performing the last concert of their “Raise the Praise” tour. Join heavenly heartthrobs – Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham as they dance and sing their hearts out to save some souls.
Based on the book by Kevin Del Aguila with music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker, Altar Boyz was nominated for numerous 2005 Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics, and Outstanding Book of a Musical.
For tickets call 919-821-3111 or visit http://www.raleighlittletheatre.org/performances/09-10/altar.html
