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Altar Boyz is Heavenly
Musical parody leaves audience laughing out loud
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It’s rare that parody hits that sweet spot between making fun and paying homage, that spot that satirizes the shortcomings and pratfalls while respecting the institution; Altar Boyz hits the sweet spot dead on. The show, winner of the prestigious Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical Off-Broadway, is a gut-busting good time featuring a Catholic boy-band in their final tour performance.
The Altar Boyz (Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham) believe that they have been touched by God to form a singing, dancing boy group whose goal of saving souls through tight harmonies and even tighter jeans just may accrue a few screaming fans along the way. The show itself is built upon the construct of the Boyz’ final concert of the tour, and features everything one might expect from any of the popular boy bands of the mid-’90s—and even a few surprises.
Matthew (Michael Kadin Craig), the leader of the group, is befitting of any teen girl’s bedroom wall. Craig’s crystal clear voice and earnest portrayal sell Matthew as a character swoon-worthy enough to be adored by droves of girls but humble enough to seek the path of righteousness. Lee Markham’s Luke is unpretentious in his role of the thick-headed but redemptive bad boy of the band. Mauricio Perez is charming and suave as the Latin-lover Juan, and displays more than one comic note as his character goes on a life-changing journey throughout the concert. Abraham (Ravi Roth) is sweet and ardent as the Jewish member of the Catholic band, a plot foil that provides ample laughs and commentary. Travis Nesbitt’s Mark is simply fabulous; he is a standout blend of on the button singing, dancing and accessorizing—and his sub-plot is rife with satirical fodder.
But just as the best parodies do, Altar Boyz dismisses the dull drone of straight commentary in lieu of comedic overtones. The show is laugh-out-loud funny from its superbly choreographed numbers (“God Put the Rhythm in Me” is a standout) to its subtle character interactions. Altar Boyz is quite simply one of the funniest shows off-Broadway.
The show is currently playing at New World Stages. Show times and ticket information available at altarboyz.com.