Theater review part deux and new interview: Altar Boyz

by Shawn Parikh

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An upbeat, family show that lets the audience decide between what they think is satirical and what they think is true.

With the numerous comments we have been receiving on our site the past week about Altar Boyz, the show became pretty hyped. So I took these notions and went to the Majestic Theatre to see if the Altarholic syndrome would infect me, and I used those comments to form my review. (On a side note, I also got a chance to snag a quick audio interview with Jesse JP Johnson, who portrayed Luke in the show.)

First comment: "Altar Boyz is a great show: great music, great fun, and good-natured too." Very true. The show is about the final night of a Catholic boy band's tour, and it is a really entertaining concept. As soon as the announcer stated, "The Altar Boyz have arrived," the crowd went wild as if they were attending a rock concert. The stage was set up like a concert, with a fog machine, a huge neon sign, and a live band in the background. What kept the show going was definitely the music (Gary Adler & Michael Ptrick Walker) and dancing (Christopher Gattelli). The choreography perfectly belittled boy band moves from the 90s, but it was so high-energy and synchronized that the "boyz" were indeed a spectacle. Each routine had precise and crisp moves to accompany the lyrics. The lyrics and music complemented each other to mildly satirizie boy band lyrics and Catholicism. Songs like "Epiphany" about admitting to being Catholic, and "The Calling" with the line, "Jesus called me on my cell phone" were hilarious.

The show was "great fun" because the "boyz" included the audience throughout the whole show. They mainly stayed downstage and interacted with the audience since they were recreating a tour. One lucky audience member also got serenaded onstage to "Something About You," the slow ballad about abstinence. Even though the show poked fun of religion with all the songs having an underlying Christian message, it was still "good-natured." Religion and faith were never really questioned, but were more like the backdrop and motif of the musical. It is definitely an upbeat, family show that lets the audience decide between what they think is satirical and what they think is true.

Second comment: "All the tour guys are amazing." The cast as an ensemble was incredible. They complemented each other so well with their high energy and perfect harmony. Each member fit the boy band stereotype amazingly. Matthew Buckner, as Matt, the leader of the band, combined his rich vocals with complex choreography, that there was no denying how "Justin Timberlake" he was. However, he did not get a chance to really showcase his acting abilities with this role, since there was barely any conflict.

Luke, potrayed by Jesse JP Johnson, was great at representing the "ghetto white boy" of the group that had joined after recovering from rehab. He added dumbness to his ghettoness that got great laughs throughout the show, for the most part. His stereotype did get old at points, but his energy, range, and acrobatics during the song, "Body, Mind & Soul" made him a standout. Jay Garcia played Juan, the Latin boy of the group, but he did not possess the comic flare that the other "boyz" had mastered. His role was underwritten and he blended more into the background, except for one of my favorite numbers of the show, "La Vida Eternal." He got to combine a high energy song with great physical comedy that had the audience cracking up. Abraham, played by Nick Blaemire, was the Jew of the band who had some of the greatest lines and laughs during the show because of his religious perspective. His forte was these quick one-liners.

Finally, Ryan J. Racliff, as the "Lance Bass," was the scene-stealer from start to finish. It was as if he was channeling Jack from Will & Grace. Anything he said or did got huge audience reactions, and all attention went to him whenever he was onstage. Not for one moment did he lose this incredible charisma. He even proved his vocal abilities with his song, "Epiphany" which had the audience itching to give him a standing ovation. However, because of their great group dynamic, the "boyz" were strongest when they were all singing and performing together.

Third comment: "You'll love every single minute." That was a pretty bold statement that did not hold true. When the "boyz" first came out and performed three group numbers almost simultaneously, the dialogue in between felt so forced. The high energy of the songs did not match the energy of the dialouge in the beginning, creating dull moments. Also, since the plot was paper-thin, when the conflict between the "boyz" finally arose in the last ten minutes, it seemed too late. I really was waiting for the finale, and felt as if the actual plotline was an obstacle.

I can see how the show attracts fans to see the show countless times. I highly enjoyed it and was glad I went. I even recommend buying a copy of the soundtrack. It is a highly entertaining, family show that is worth a viewing for its fast pace and great ensemble. Because I am sure you are wondering, I did not become an Altarholic, but I was glad to have experienced this phenomenon.

The show only runs until January 21, so order your tickets by clicking here. Also they will be appearing at Border's (West Village) and Dick's Last Resort on January 18. Click on the location for times.

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