READING – Here come the Altar Boyz to rock the masses of all denominations by spreading the good news and soothing the troubled souls of Greater Reading through the glory of sweet pop music. ‘Altar Boyz’ opens June 6 and runs through June 15 at Genesius Theatre.
‘Altar Boyz’ introduces a struggling Christian boy band from Greenville, Ohio, who are on the last night of their ‘Raise the Praise’ U.S. tour and determined to make the big time. The Boyz – Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham (he’s Jewish) – are intent on saving souls and raising spirits.There’s Matthew, the hunky leader, who holds the group together; Mark, the sweet and sensitive one, who choreographs all the band’s signature moves; Luke, the bad boy with an interest in communion wine and driver of the Altar Boyz van; Juan, the Latin lover who’s popular with the ladies; and Abraham, a nice Jewish boy who’s not sure how he ended up in the group. With spectacular dance moves and a fully automated Sony Soul Sensor DX-12 to gauge the spiritual well-being of the crowd, the Altar Boyz bring the funk, lift the soul and spread a message about the power of faith, friendship and brotherhood.
Enjoy 90 minutes of pure fun and entertainment with the Boyz as they inspire you with songs like ‘Jesus Called Me on My Cell Phone,’ or be swooned with tunes like ‘Girl You Make Me Wanna Wait.’ No matter what your denomination, you’re destined to be entertained by the Altar Boyz. This musical comedy has something for everyone! As The New York Times explained it, ‘Finally, an Off Broadway musical that works; it sends you home with a smile.’
Conceived by Marc Kessler and Ken Davenport, with a book by Kevin Del Aguila and music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker, ‘Altar Boyz’ first premiered in 2004 at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. In the spring of 2005, it transferred to off-Broadway’s New World Stages. ‘Altar Boyz’ won the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and was nominated for seven Drama Desk Awards, including Best Music, Best Lyrics, Best Book and Best Musical and 2007 Broadway.com Audience Favorite Award.
The cast for ‘Altar Boyz’ includes Ben Long as Matthew, Zach Frantz as Mark, Brandon Kegerize as Luke, Caleb Seip as Juan and Nick Moore as Abraham. The Genesius production is being directed by Zach Frantz, music directed by Kevin Cooper, choreographed by Amanda Guistwite, with lighting by Spencer Moss Fecho.
‘I am so excited to be directing this great show. It’s fun, funny and a goodtime all around. If you want to just laugh, enjoy some great music and dancing and simply be entertained, ‘Altar Boyz’ is for you’ said director Zach Frantz. Kevin Cooper the music director said ‘There’s nothing offensive in the show, It’s never dirty. It doesn’t poke fun at religion. It’s just 90 minutes of pure fun!’
Genesius Theatre is handicap accessible and there is free parking aside of the theater (limited spaces available). This production is rated PG. – (light, but complimentary spoofing of organized religion).
