Reviews

"A truly divine performance for the wicked"

Altar Boyz has arrived at the Toronto Centre for the Arts to thunderous applause and level of excitement matched only by their Jersey Boy neighbours a few steps away in the same building at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. It is truly one hell-of-a-show.

Toronto's brand new not-for-profit theatre company Angelwalk Theatre has launched its new season with "Altar Boyz" a time-tested satirical musical comedy about a Christian boy band that has played to off-broadway audiences in New York City for years. They sing, they dance, they thank the good Lord above, and provide a great evening of entertainment to make you forget about the economic woes for the time being.

Altar Boyz is about a group of 5 Christian boys (or rather, young men) who are currently on tour riding on America's fascination with religious re-invention for youth. The characters, aptly named Matthew (played by Ken Chamberland), Mark (played by Jeigh Madjus), Luke (played by Eric Morin), Juan (played by Aidan deSalaiz), and Abraham (played by Stephen Roberts) break out in ridiculously hilarious songs that provide unmitigated fun without being offensive to those who may be devoutly religious or passionately atheistic. We follow the band on tour and become a fly on the wall as they completely entertain us with sharp-witted songs, hilarious dialogue, and audience participation. We share their struggles to keep the band together, keep the faith alive, and keep their audiences entertained.

Recently coming back from a trip to New York City to see Next to Normal, Shrek the Musical, 9 to 5, and Fuerza Bruta's production of "Look Up" I can say that I went into this with lowered expectations. Let's face it; this is a new theatre company, a young cast of local performers, and a show in an intimate space with virtually no set. I am partial to big productions that can use a variety of channels to impress the audience. There are no crashing chandeliers, flying witches, or colourful Disney characters to make me feel all warm inside. With Altar Boyz, you are provided with truly intelligent irony accompanied by brilliant wit, catchy songs, and hearty laughs to keep you smiling throughout the show. This show appeals to both younger and older audiences types though the younger demographic would surely relate to the concept of chastity and boy bands far more than those in their 40s and above. The mere fact that religion provides a channel for comedy without being offensive or preachy is what keeps makes this show a hit for all audience types.

Director Tim French's brilliant direction and choreography coupled with the strength of the 5 male leads leaves one to think the casting for this show was truly a match made in heaven. Accompanied by a 4 piece band, this 'faux concert' is fresh, sharp, and spot-on.

Altar Boyz runs until October 11th at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. More information can be found by visiting http://www.angelwalk.ca.