Angelwalk Theatre – Altar Boyz

reviewed by Paula Citron
_____________________________

Altar Boyz
Angelwalk Theatre
Music and Lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker
Book by Kevin Del Aguila
Directed and choreographed by Tim French
Starring Ken Chamberland, Aidan deSalaiz, Jeigh Madjus, Eric Morin and Stephen Roberts
At the Toronto Centre for the Arts until Oct. 18.
____________________________

Angelwalk Theatre’s first effort is the off-Broadway hit Altar Boyz. So successful is the production that it’s been held over for another week.

The boy band Altar Boyz is presenting a concert on “The Raise the Praise Tour”. Think about ‘N Sync meets the bible belt. The heart of the show is the “Soul Sensor DX-12,”, which is a device that measures sinner’s souls in the audience. The group’s goal is to get the number down to zero.

I loved the talented cast – four gorgeous young men and one adorable little guy. The music is tight, although a trifle loud. The direction and choreography by Tim French is excellent. So… you can guess that a “but” is coming.

The show is a spoof on Christian fundamentalism and boy bands, but I just didn’t find Altar Boyz particularly satiric or clever. I, however, am in a minority. The audience loved it.

Altar Boyz continues at the Toronto Centre for the Arts until Oct. 18.