Altar Boyz to Arrive Off-Broadway in February 2005

By Andrew Gans
19 Nov 2004

Altar Boyz, a hit at the recent New York Musical Theatre Festival, will begin previews Feb. 15, 2005 at Dodgers Stages with an official opening set for Feb. 27.

The new musical comedy about a struggling Christian boy band was conceived by Marc Kessler and Ken Davenport and features a score by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker and a book by Kevin Del Aguila. Stafford Arima will direct the Off-Broadway production with choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

The Altar Boyz creative team comprises Anna Louizos (scenic design), Natasha Katz (lighting design), Peter Hylenski (sound design) and Lynne Shankel (music director).

Altar Boyz, according to production notes, concerns a Christian boy band "riding the wave of America's latest fascination with religion. Armed with catchy melodies, freaky moves and product in their hair, the self anointed apostles of pop (Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan . . . and Abraham [he's Jewish]) bring their soul-saving tour to New York City, with their heavenly hits like 'Girl, You Make Me Wanna Wait' and 'Jesus Called Me On My Cell Phone.'" Casting is expected shortly.

Produced by Ken Davenport and Robyn Goodman, Altar Boyz will play Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 and 8 PM and Sundays at 3 and 7 PM. Dodger Stages is located at 340 West 50th Street.