I was unfamiliar with Altar Boyz before attending the show last night at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall. My only knowledge of it came from the previews in This Fine Newspaper and the Star. I knew that it starred five hot guys who play members of a Christian boy band, that one of the dudes was kinda gay, that one of them was kinda Jewish, and that it was a semi-parody, but supposedly a lighthearted, nonoffensive one.
*Gulp.* A lighthearted, nonoffensive semi-parody?
Well, thank goodness, my fears were unfounded. Yes, it is a lighthearted parody; I can’t exactly say it was completely nonoffensive, however. (The older couple sitting next to me tensed up a bit during the second song, “Rhythm in Me,” when Mark—the obviously gay Altar Boy—kept singing “PUT IT IN ME!” with no subtlety whatsoever. I could hardly contain my laughter.)
Heavy theater, this ain’t. It’s a fun, simple, airy, quick (90 minutes with no intermission!) show that breezes by. There are no set or costume changes of note; the entire show is the five Boyz singing their silly pop songs (including, God help us all, a rap), telling their stories and busting their moves, all in an effort to save the souls of the audience.
I enjoyed the show immensely. Will it make my Top 10 Theatrical Experiences list? Goodness, no. But it’s fun, a nice escape that’s worth the ticket price.
And, yes, the boys are hot. Especially the Jewish one, Abraham (Nick Blaemire).
For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 321-1000, go here or stop by the TCC box office.
This article appears in Jan 18-24, 2007.
While I haven’t seen the Altar Boyz tour, I have seen the off-broadway production. You did a great job of summing up what I love about the show. It’s so lighthearted and funny that you can’t help but enjoy yourself. It really is a great escape… one I take all too frequently.
I was able to see the original off broadway cast in Altar Boyz and even my aunt was laughing wtih me. I wish you could have included more on what you liked and disliked. Even though you didn’t technically consider it a review, I think more about the show would have appealed to this article!
Regardless, hope you had fun!
I’m a fan of the show from NY and wondered how it would make out on tour with subscription audience. Off-broadway, people choose what they are going to see and may do some research about the subject matter. When a show is part of a subscription, they just go. I love the show and find the parody gentle enough to be non-offensive, but I have seen people who didn’t appear to agree with me! It’s a fun night at the theater – catchy music, great dancing and cute guys. Glad you enjoyed it!
I have seen both the tour cast and NY cast of Altar Boyz and love both! I saw the tour cast in Philly, and am hoping to get to see them again. I enjoyed reading what you had to say about the show, and am glad you had a good time! I love the show and can’t stop laughing every time i see it! I can’t stop going back! =)