Altar Boyz

Book by Kevin DelAguila

Music & Lyrics by Gary Adler & Michael Patrick Walker

Conceived by Marc Kessler & Ken Davenport

Directed by John Gawlik

Chorographer by Gil Mata

Musical Direction by Brett Rowe

Produced by Noble Fool Theatricals

At Pheasant Run Resort

Cute boy band show spoofs Christian rock groups

Noble Fool Theatricals’ production of Altar Boyz is a cute, entertaining affair that audiences like more than I do. I’m must confess that I hate pop boy bands with their pop/rock singing style and their manic movements. Add that the Christian element that doesn’t go far enough for me in satirizing the Evangelicals and Altar Boyz unfolds as a cute, light and fluffy show. Too bad.

This spoof is a pop/rock parody of groups like “New Kids on the Block” and “Backstreet Boys,” Altar Boyz works hard to please audiences and it sure does with charm and panache. We quickly meet the charismatic Matthew (Mike Arthur), the punk Luke (Courtney Crouse), the Latino Juan (Edward Frain) with the gay Mark (Robert Deason) and the Jewish boy Abe (Frank Joseph Paul). All these boys are likable despite their lack of understandable vocal solos. The group harmonies are fine and the dance movements adequate in this pleasing but not outstanding production. Those who ‘believe’ in this show will enjoy it. As musical theatre, it is worthy and 90 minutes of fun.

Somewhat Recommended

Tom Williams

At Pheaseant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL call 630-584-6342, tickets 28 – $39, Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5 & 8:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, running time is 90 minutes without intermission, through July 12, 2009