Although Altar Boyz has been wowing Off-Broadway audiences for four years, this is the musical's first appearance in Milwaukee. It's a shame that this show's high-pumped fun has waited so long to arrive. This is a Christian boy band that truly rocks. Their opening number, "We Are the Altar Boyz," is snappy enough to rival almost any Broadway opening number.
Through the lyrics of this song and the dialogue that follows, we learn how the group was formed. This is of particular interest since one of the band's five members is Jewish. Even the Jewish kid seems a bit confused about that (not to mention his mother).
Just as in real boy bands, each member of Altar Boyz is tagged as a "character." There's the lead singer, with movie-star good looks; a coy cutie pie who is gay (but never reveals it); the aforementioned Jewish boy (complete with yarmulke); a muscle man with a weakness for Communion wine, and a Latino. Need one mention that their names are Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (ok, Juan) and Abraham?
Although the show's format was undoubtedly a spoof of older bands such as the Backstreet Boys, a current wave (such as Disney's Jonas Brothers) has reappeared to keep the show fresh and vibrant. The touring version doesn't have much of a set, but it doesn't really need one. The cheesy props are appropriate to the musical's general tone. The excellent four-piece band performs behind the singers.
Judging by the actors' bios, none of them are "graduates" from the Off-Broadway cast. The "boyz" include: Philip Drennen, Dan Scott, Anton Fero, Tim Dolan and Adam Cassel. In a way, the appearance of Altar Boyz was perfectly timed. They opened the same week that Milwaukee's beloved archbishop, Timothy Dolan (not related to the cast member of the same name) left Milwaukee to fill a similar position in New York. Archbishop Dolan, who was known for his wit and warmth, probably would have loved this show. Since it's still playing Off-Broadway, perhaps he'll have a spare evening to see it?
