The Long Wharf engagement, running through Sept. 13, marks the official launch of the new national tour that re-creates the hit Off-Broadway staging. Director Stafford Stafford Arima again stages the work that includes original choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

With a book by Kevin Del Aguila and music and lyrics by Michael Patrick Walker and Gary Adler, Altar Boyz features a cast of newcomers including Tim Dolan as Abe, Anton Fero as Luke, Philip Drennen as Matthew, Andres Quintero as Juan and Dan Scott as Mark. The cast also includes understudies Moses Rodrigues and Josh Woodie.

Here's how press notes from Long Wharf describe the production: "Altar Boyz is a musical-comedy spoof about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national 'Raise the Praise' tour. As the Boyz - five ultra-talented heartthrobs from Ohio - perform their signature hits featuring lyrics like 'Girl, you make me wanna wait' and 'Jesus called me on my cell phone,' soul-wrenching secrets come tumbling out with hilarious results. The Boyz begin to question their faith in each other, and learn if fate is really holding them together or if it's just their extra-firm hair gel."

Following its New Haven debut, Altar Boyz will play engagements in Huntsville, AL; Scranton, PA; West Point, NY; Greeneville, TN; Toledo, OH; Danville, KY; Lewisburg, PA; Norwich, NY; Sullivan, IL; Delray Beach, FL; Largo, FL; Baton Rouge, LA; Culver, IN; Williamsport, PA; Dayton, OH; Springfield, MA; San Luis Obispo, CA; Tacoma, WA; and Olympia, WA. The 2008 tour of Altar Boyz is presented by Paul Bartz of Windwood Theatricals.

Based on a concept by Marc Kessler and Ken Davenport, the 90-minute musical opened March 1, 2005, Off-Broadway and continues to draw audiences worldwide. For tickets to Altar Boyz at Long Wharf, priced $36-$46, visit longwharf.org.

The Long Wharf Theatre is located at 222 Sargent Drive in New Haven, CT.