Altar Boyz
Encyclopedia
Altar Boyz is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Gary Adler
and Michael Patrick Walker
and book by Kevin Del Aguila (based on an idea by Ken Davenport
and Marc Kessler
). Centering on a fictitious Christian
boy band
from Ohio
, the show satirizes
, among other things, the phenomenon of boy bands and the popularity of Christian-themed music in contemporary American
culture. It began an Off Broadway run on March 1, 2005 and closed on January 10, 2010, having played 16 previews and 2,032 regular performances making it the 9th longest-running Off-Broadway
musical of all time.
s. The fifth member is Abraham, who, the group explains in the show's opening number, is Jewish. The members of the group address the audience directly and refer to the venue and location in which the performance is taking place. The Altar Boyz perform their songs, with choreographed dancing in the style of boy bands, and present several scenes concerning the group and its origins, as well as each member's strengths and demons, as part of the concert.
During the show, the Altar Boyz repeatedly turn to a machine on stage, the "Soul Sensor DX-12," which has a display that they explain shows the number of burdened souls in the theatre. Their goal is to reduce the number on the machine to zero by the end of the concert.
Although many of the lines and lyrics in the show are susceptible to humorous or satirical interpretations, as is common in satire the performers do not acknowledge such double meanings in their performances.
and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli
, Altar Boyz debuted at the 47th Street Theatre (Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre) in New York City as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival
in September 2004. The NYMF cast included Cheyenne Jackson
as Matthew, Tyler Maynard
as Mark, Andy Karl
as Luke, Ryan Duncan as Juan, and David Josefsberg as Abraham. Marc Kudisch
performed the pre-recorded role of "G.O.D." Due to the nature of the festival, the NYMF run was limited to 8 performances on an irregular schedule over the course of a few weeks.
After 16 preview performances, the show opened Off Broadway at Stage 4 of Dodger Stages (now New World Stages
) on March 1, 2005. The cast was the same as in the NYMF production, except Scott Porter
played the part of Matthew and Shadoe Stevens
played the pre-recorded role of "G.O.D." The production closed on January 10, 2010 after 2,032 regular performances, making it the 9th longest-running Off-Broadway musical of all time.. The closing cast starred Michael Kadin Craig as Matthew, Travis Nesbitt as Mark, Lee Markham as Luke, Mauricio Pérez as Juan, and Ravi Roth as Abraham.
There have been touring productions of Altar Boyz in the United States (in 2007, 2008 and 2009) and resident productions in Chicago (2007), and Korea, Hungary, Finland, Australia and the Philippines as well as numerous regional and amateur productions.
).
Gary Adler
Gary Adler is an American composer and musical director based in New York. He received two 2005 Drama Desk nominations for his music and lyrics for the off-Broadway show Altar Boyz, which had its premiere in the New York Musical Theatre Festival the year before...
and Michael Patrick Walker
Michael Patrick Walker
Michael Patrick Walker is a composer/lyricist and musician as well as an arranger and orchestrator. He is best known for co-writing the musical, Altar Boyz with fellow composer/lyricist Gary Adler and book writer Kevin Del Aguila...
and book by Kevin Del Aguila (based on an idea by Ken Davenport
Ken Davenport
Ken Davenport, born Kenneth A. Hasija is a New York-based Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre producer.-Shows:Davenport has produced several Broadway and Off-Broadway plays including the current Broadway revival of Godspell, Chinglish, Oleanna, Speed the Plow, You're Welcome America, Blithe Spirit,...
and Marc Kessler
Marc Kessler
Marc Kessler is an American musical theatre actor.-Biography:Kessler is a native of Lambertville, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre, and he now lives in New York City.-Career:Marc has...
). Centering on a fictitious Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
boy band
Boy band
A boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
from Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, the show satirizes
Satire
Satire is primarily a literary genre or form, although in practice it can also be found in the graphic and performing arts. In satire, vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, and society itself, into improvement...
, among other things, the phenomenon of boy bands and the popularity of Christian-themed music in contemporary American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
culture. It began an Off Broadway run on March 1, 2005 and closed on January 10, 2010, having played 16 previews and 2,032 regular performances making it the 9th longest-running Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway theater is a term for a professional venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, and for a specific production of a play, musical or revue that appears in such a venue, and which adheres to related trade union and other contracts...
musical of all time.
Synopsis
The musical is presented in real time as the final concert of the national "Raise the Praise" tour staged by the five-member group the Altar Boyz. Four of the group's members, Matthew, Mark, Luke and Juan, apparently are named after the authors of the four canonical Christian GospelGospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
s. The fifth member is Abraham, who, the group explains in the show's opening number, is Jewish. The members of the group address the audience directly and refer to the venue and location in which the performance is taking place. The Altar Boyz perform their songs, with choreographed dancing in the style of boy bands, and present several scenes concerning the group and its origins, as well as each member's strengths and demons, as part of the concert.
During the show, the Altar Boyz repeatedly turn to a machine on stage, the "Soul Sensor DX-12," which has a display that they explain shows the number of burdened souls in the theatre. Their goal is to reduce the number on the machine to zero by the end of the concert.
Although many of the lines and lyrics in the show are susceptible to humorous or satirical interpretations, as is common in satire the performers do not acknowledge such double meanings in their performances.
Production history
Directed by Stafford ArimaStafford Arima
Stafford Arima is a Canadian-born theatre director. Arima studied at York University in Toronto where he was the recipient of the Dean's Prize for Excellence in Creative Work.Arima is directing Carrie Stafford Arima is a Canadian-born theatre director. Arima studied at York University in Toronto...
and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli
Christopher Gattelli
Christopher Gattelli is a choreographer, performer, and director for the theatre. He has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Choreography for South Pacific and the Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Choreography for Altar Boyz. He won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreograper for...
, Altar Boyz debuted at the 47th Street Theatre (Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre) in New York City as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival
New York Musical Theatre Festival
The New York Musical Theatre Festival is an annual three-week fall Festival which presents more than thirty new musicals at venues in New York City's midtown theater district...
in September 2004. The NYMF cast included Cheyenne Jackson
Cheyenne Jackson
Cheyenne Jackson is an American actor and singer. He started in regional theater when he moved to Seattle, and after moving to New York City, made his 2002 Broadway theatre debut understudying both male leads in the Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie...
as Matthew, Tyler Maynard
Tyler Maynard
Tyler Maynard is an American stage and film actor. He is best known for playing Mark in the 2005 musical Altar Boyz, for which he won a Theatre World Award and received a nomination for a Drama Desk Award.-Biography:...
as Mark, Andy Karl
Andy Karl
Andy Karl is an American actor and singer, best known for performing in musical theatre. He has appeared on Broadway in the original productions of Legally Blonde and 9 to 5, as well as appearing in Wicked.-Early life:...
as Luke, Ryan Duncan as Juan, and David Josefsberg as Abraham. Marc Kudisch
Marc Kudisch
Marc Kudisch is an American stage actor, who is best known for his musical theatre roles on Broadway.-Early life and education:...
performed the pre-recorded role of "G.O.D." Due to the nature of the festival, the NYMF run was limited to 8 performances on an irregular schedule over the course of a few weeks.
After 16 preview performances, the show opened Off Broadway at Stage 4 of Dodger Stages (now New World Stages
New World Stages
New World Stages, originally Dodger Stages, is an Off-Broadway venue. The architects were Beyer, Blinder, and Belle. The theatre designers were Sachs Morgan, and the interior designer was Klara Zieglerova.It is currently home to 6 shows:* Rent...
) on March 1, 2005. The cast was the same as in the NYMF production, except Scott Porter
Scott Porter
Matthew Scott Porter , better known as Scott Porter, is an American actor and occasional singer known for his role as Jason Street in the NBC television drama Friday Night Lights. His character was injured during a football game in the pilot episode and became a paraplegic...
played the part of Matthew and Shadoe Stevens
Shadoe Stevens
Shadoe Stevens is an American radio host, voiceover actor, and television personality. He was the host of American Top 40 from 1988 to 1995...
played the pre-recorded role of "G.O.D." The production closed on January 10, 2010 after 2,032 regular performances, making it the 9th longest-running Off-Broadway musical of all time.. The closing cast starred Michael Kadin Craig as Matthew, Travis Nesbitt as Mark, Lee Markham as Luke, Mauricio Pérez as Juan, and Ravi Roth as Abraham.
There have been touring productions of Altar Boyz in the United States (in 2007, 2008 and 2009) and resident productions in Chicago (2007), and Korea, Hungary, Finland, Australia and the Philippines as well as numerous regional and amateur productions.
Songs
- We Are the Altar Boyz
- Rhythm In Me
- Church Rulez
- The Calling
- The Miracle Song
- Everybody Fits
- Something About You
- Body, Mind & Soul
- La Vida Eternal
- Epiphany
- Number 918
- Finale: I Believe
- Bows & Altar Boyz Remix
Awards and nominations
- Outer Critics Circle AwardOuter Critics Circle AwardThe Outer Critics Circle Awards are presented annually for theatrical achievements both on and Off-Broadway and were begun during the 1949-1950 theater season. The awards are decided upon by theater critics who review for out-of-town newspapers, national publications, and other media outlets...
Best Off Broadway Musical (winner) - Drama Desk AwardDrama Desk AwardThe Drama Desk Awards, which are given annually in a number of categories, are the only major New York theater honors for which productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway compete against each other in the same category...
Outstanding Musical (nominee) - Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Tyler MaynardTyler MaynardTyler Maynard is an American stage and film actor. He is best known for playing Mark in the 2005 musical Altar Boyz, for which he won a Theatre World Award and received a nomination for a Drama Desk Award.-Biography:...
, nominee) - Drama Desk Award Outstanding Choreography (Christopher GattelliChristopher GattelliChristopher Gattelli is a choreographer, performer, and director for the theatre. He has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Choreography for South Pacific and the Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Choreography for Altar Boyz. He won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreograper for...
, nominee) - Drama Desk Award Outstanding Music (Gary AdlerGary AdlerGary Adler is an American composer and musical director based in New York. He received two 2005 Drama Desk nominations for his music and lyrics for the off-Broadway show Altar Boyz, which had its premiere in the New York Musical Theatre Festival the year before...
& Michael Patrick WalkerMichael Patrick WalkerMichael Patrick Walker is a composer/lyricist and musician as well as an arranger and orchestrator. He is best known for co-writing the musical, Altar Boyz with fellow composer/lyricist Gary Adler and book writer Kevin Del Aguila...
, nominees) - Drama Desk Award Outstanding Lyrics (Gary AdlerGary AdlerGary Adler is an American composer and musical director based in New York. He received two 2005 Drama Desk nominations for his music and lyrics for the off-Broadway show Altar Boyz, which had its premiere in the New York Musical Theatre Festival the year before...
& Michael Patrick WalkerMichael Patrick WalkerMichael Patrick Walker is a composer/lyricist and musician as well as an arranger and orchestrator. He is best known for co-writing the musical, Altar Boyz with fellow composer/lyricist Gary Adler and book writer Kevin Del Aguila...
, nominees) - Drama Desk Award Outstanding Book of a Musical (Kevin Del Aguila, nominee)
- Drama Desk Award Outstanding Orchestrations (Doug Katsaros & Lynne Shankel, nominees)
- Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Musical (nominee)
- Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Choreography (Christopher GattelliChristopher GattelliChristopher Gattelli is a choreographer, performer, and director for the theatre. He has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Choreography for South Pacific and the Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Choreography for Altar Boyz. He won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreograper for...
, winner) - Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Featured Actor (Tyler MaynardTyler MaynardTyler Maynard is an American stage and film actor. He is best known for playing Mark in the 2005 musical Altar Boyz, for which he won a Theatre World Award and received a nomination for a Drama Desk Award.-Biography:...
, nominee) - Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Sound Design (Simon Matthews, nominee)
- Drama League AwardDrama League AwardThe Drama League Awards, created in 1935, honor distinguished productions and performances both on Broadway and Off-Broadway, in addition to recognizing exemplary career achievements in theatre, musical theatre, and directing...
Distinguished Production of a Musical (nominee) - Drama League Award Distinguished Performance Award (Ryan Duncan, David Josefsberg, Andy KarlAndy KarlAndy Karl is an American actor and singer, best known for performing in musical theatre. He has appeared on Broadway in the original productions of Legally Blonde and 9 to 5, as well as appearing in Wicked.-Early life:...
, Tyler MaynardTyler MaynardTyler Maynard is an American stage and film actor. He is best known for playing Mark in the 2005 musical Altar Boyz, for which he won a Theatre World Award and received a nomination for a Drama Desk Award.-Biography:...
, Scott PorterScott PorterMatthew Scott Porter , better known as Scott Porter, is an American actor and occasional singer known for his role as Jason Street in the NBC television drama Friday Night Lights. His character was injured during a football game in the pilot episode and became a paraplegic...
, nominees) - Theatre World AwardTheatre World AwardThe Theatre World Award, first awarded for the 1945-46 season, is an American honor presented annually to actors and actresses in recognition of an outstanding New York City stage debut performance, either on Broadway or off-Broadway.-History:...
(Tyler MaynardTyler MaynardTyler Maynard is an American stage and film actor. He is best known for playing Mark in the 2005 musical Altar Boyz, for which he won a Theatre World Award and received a nomination for a Drama Desk Award.-Biography:...
, winner)
Cast recording
Altar Boyz was recorded in March 2005 and was released on May 17, 2005 by Ghostlight Records (an imprint of Sh-K-Boom RecordsSh-K-Boom Records
Sh-K-Boom Records is a record label, a producer of recorded and live entertainment, and an interactive community at www.sh-k-boom.com — all devoted to the mission of bridging the gap between pop music and theater...
).
External links
- altarboyz.com Official Site
- MichaelPatrickWalker.com Official site for Composer/Lyricist Michael Patrick WalkerMichael Patrick WalkerMichael Patrick Walker is a composer/lyricist and musician as well as an arranger and orchestrator. He is best known for co-writing the musical, Altar Boyz with fellow composer/lyricist Gary Adler and book writer Kevin Del Aguila...
- DelAguila.info Official site for Book Writer Kevin Del Aguila
- StaffordArima.com Official site for Off Broadway Director Stafford ArimaStafford ArimaStafford Arima is a Canadian-born theatre director. Arima studied at York University in Toronto where he was the recipient of the Dean's Prize for Excellence in Creative Work.Arima is directing Carrie Stafford Arima is a Canadian-born theatre director. Arima studied at York University in Toronto...
- Robyn Goodman (producer) - Downstage Center interview at American Theatre WingAmerican Theatre WingThe American Theatre Wing is a New York City-based organization "dedicated to supporting excellence and education in theatre," according to its mission statement...
.org, August 2005 - AltarHolics.com Official Fan Site
- TheProducersPerspective.com Blog for one of the producer's of the Off Broadway production