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July 5 - September 1, 2012
Revue Stage

altar boyz

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Book by Kevin Del Aguila
Music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker
Conceived by Marc Kessler and Ken Davenport

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

The sinfully funny musical

The Altar Boyz are bringing their Raise the Praise tour back to Vancouver in the summer of 2012! Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham can sing and dance with the best of them, and these heartthrobs want to praise the Lord with funk and rhyme! With lyrics like “Girl, you make me wanna wait” and “Jesus called me on my cell phone,” this hilarious and irreverent musical comedy will wash your soul clean with laughter.

Approximate running time: 90 minutes (no intermission)

Altar Boyz Blog



"Altar Boyz totally rocks the pop world…I suggest you book now" —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun

"You will definitely leave the theatre singing… the energy level is stratospheric" —Jo Ledingham, The Vancouver Courier

"A fun (and funny) summertime treat…Heaven help you if you miss it!" —Mark Robins, GayVancouver.net [Read More]

"What a fun night and a fantastic production to end the season…These heartthrobs had my own heart a-thumping" —Melanie Shim, A&E Vibe

"Hugely entertaining musical theatre…this is a show that I could see again and again" —John Jane, Review Vancouver [Read More]

"A swinging, toe-tapping non-stop 90 minutes of pure entertainment" —Gillian Lockitch, Review from the House [Read More]

"They can sing, they can dance, and the Altar Boyz have even got Jesus calling ‘em up on their cell phones." —Rebecca Bollwitt, Miss 604 [Read More]

"Any of these boys could breeze to the finals of Canadian Idol or So You Think You Can Dance"  —Melanie Minty, Surrey Now [Read More]

"This 'sinfully funny' musical had me in fits of laughter for an hour and a half straight" —Tessa Perkins, The Peak

"The music is lively, performed by a small group of talented musicians, while the cast of five young men perform with frenetic energy as they brilliantly sing a series of upbeat songs and enthusiastically perform inventive dance routines" —Alan Charlton, BC Catholic [Read More]

"Heavenly harmonies and hilarious hi-jinx…highly creative, humorous, and fun" —Flora Gordon, Vancouver Vantage [Read More] 

"Tricked-out, soulful, funkalicious…We could scarcely finish laughing at one funny phrase before another equally hilarious punch-line was delivered" —Roger Wayne Eberle, Review Vancouver [Read More] 

Altar Boyz in the Province

Vancouver Sun Westcoast Life Story

24 Hours article

Audience Comments

"Bravo! Absolutely fantastic from the moment the lights came up. Sat in the front seats and enjoyed every minute of this fun-filled production. A must see for every recovering catholic"
—Brenda

"This was such an enjoyable show. It was fast-paced, great singing and dancing…. We were all impressed. We've decided that Season Tickets will be on the list for some of our friends’ Christmas Presents!! Very enjoyable, great production. Glad we went. Thanks"
—Doug, Coquitlam

"Sassy, delightfully politically-incorrect fun. Loved every crazy song, campy dance number and outrageous joke. Of course, I'm not an Episcopalian! See this show FOR SURE!"
—Tricia. Vancouver

"...our last evening after 5 weeks Canada—Ontario and wonderful BC—was also the absolute highlight of our Vancouver Days! Witty, wise and wonderful—the Altar Boyz! I hope one day we'll have it in Switzerland so we can invite our friends for a special evening!"
—Thomas, Liestal, Switzerland

"One of the best productions I've seen. These men are so talented, I could have watched and listened for hours. A perfect mix of music and comedy"
—Carol, Surrey

"What a talented and adorable group of young guys…. Great show!!”
—Sylvia

"An excellent production, full of energy and elan and done with panache"
—Richard, New Westminster

"All I can say is WOW! SO entertaining! Great songs, great choreography, amazing talent, great energy! Thank you BOYS!"
—AnnLee

"Spectacular! Our cheeks were sore from smiling and laughing for so long. It was a good thing there were a few moments of (almost) serious emotion, so our faces could rest. As a Catholic with a multitude of friends living alternative lifestyles, I found the humour to be bitingly brilliant and yet carefully aware of cultural sensitivity. I think I might have to go back next week with a different set of friends..."
—Karyn, Vancouver

"Absolutely marvellous! The choreography was outstanding. The show was even better than last year! Way to go Jak!"
—Dorothy

"One of the best productions I've seen. These men are so talented, I could have watched and listened for hours. A perfect mix of music and comedy"
—Carol, Surrey

"Altar Boyz was a blast. We loved the mix of humour and song. Well done, very professional. Will recommend for sure!"
—Bryan, West Vancouver

"As a musician and recent convert to live theatre, I can say that Altar Boyz was as good and enjoyable as Jersey Boys. All five singers have outstanding voices and the vocal harmonies were second to none. The 4-piece band was flawless. Throw in the dance moves and double/triple entendres…will are telling all our friends. In fact we brought two couples who all raved about the show. Bravo to the Arts Club and all the local talent we have here in Vancouver!"
—Paul

"Great—amazing talent—will attend again before end of run!!"
Gail, Vancouver

"It was one fun show, high energy, very funny and entertaining. The actors’ voices and singing were excellent. Choreography was very well done as well, considering it was performed on such a small stage. All in all, I would highly recommend this show to whoever would listen!! Well done"
—Dory, Richmond

"Best live show we have seen in a long time!! 4 stars!"
—Kenneth, North Vancouver

"Loved the wicked innuendo!"
—Elizabeth, Port Coquitlam

"Oh my gosh, the funniest play ever. I loved it. It brought back a lot of very funny memories of Catholic school and Sunday Masses. Would love to see it come out to the Clarke Theater in Mission. We need funny stuff like this to brighten our little community and then we wouldn’t have to drive so far…. Plus so many others would be season ticket holders every year if it was closer"
—Marie, Mission

"Wow! This show was full of energy, humour and great singing! I absolutely loved it from the moment I took my seat. It was 85 minutes of pure entertainment. My 12-year-old daughter loved it as well. She was singing "Jesus called me on my cellphone..." all the way home! Highly recommend this laugh out loud production."
—Leanne, Maple Ridge

"Altar Boyz was so uplifting, vibrant and powerful, we have seen it twice. A friend we took to our second viewing is arranging to go a second time himself with another group of friends. The musical energy is infectious, the choreography fun, and the talent of the performers outstanding. This show is a real winner."
—Karen

"Dynamic, Delicious, Devilishly Delightful production. These Boys are at the top of their game. Bring your open minded friends, family, and priest to this rollicking, rollercoaster of revelry. Once is not enough!"
—Heather, Richmond

"delightful summer fun"
 —Anonymous

"Fantastic! I was grinning from ear to ear from the moment the person came on stage with the smoke blower, too funny! Each and every cast member were so talented; every little nuance was sublimed. I loved loved loved it. This is what theatre is all about!!"
—Jana, Vancouver

"Wow!! Amazing!! Best show I've seen all year!!!"
—Ashlee, New Westminster

"The cast was amazing! We weren't sure if we were at a Christian Rock concert or a play! It was non-stop music and laughter. Wonderfully done, we could go again and again and again!!
Save us Altar Boyz."
—Kenda, Vancouver

"AMAZING!! This show was hilarious. I have personally told at least 10 people to GO SEE IT!! Well written and delivered with excellence."
—Nathan, Surrey

"This was easily the funniest production I have seen in a very long time. Witty and irreverent, Altar Boyz was a smash hit for me and my family!"
—Kevin, Surrey

"My husband and I absolutely loved it! Originally, we were quite hesitate about watching this, but when our girlfriend raved about it, we decided to catch a show. Thank goodness we did because it was fantastic. This production still puts a smile on my face whenever I think of it. Thank you!"
—Cindy

"What an excellent show! The concept is original and perfectly executed...well done to the cast who get you clapping to the beat without even knowing it."
—Sara, Burnaby

"Hey, very funny indeed. A lot better than I thought it would have been, was in NYC before I came to Vancouver. Was going to go and see it there but changed my mind. Glad I did. The theater was so intimate. Well done guyz and well done on extending the performance dates. Regards,
—STUIE

"Highly recommended! Altar Boyz was wonderfully entertaining, with great harmonies and extremely funny."
—Anonymous

"My daughter and I just loved the show. She particularly picked up on all the subtle nuances related to other boy bands (i.e. the signage was very similar to early NSync signage. We were naming which boy band created the different dance moves the cast was performing. Great fun! The cast was thoroughly enjoyable. They were vibrant and funny throughout. I don't know if they saved my soul...but I had a lot of fun while they tried!"
—Nancy, Vancouver

"It was a funny, fun, fast moving frolic of a show. I wasn't sure what to expect as I didn't know much about the musical. Each of the boyz played their parts really well. Matthew came down to the front row and started singing to my young friend who had never been to a musical and who is quite shy. That was the be all and end all as we enjoyed a laugh at the expense of her being very uncomfortable. She was a good sport about it and we continued to laugh all the way home. I have been telling my friends how much fun it is as a musical and hopefully more people will attend before the run is over!

Well Done! Juan promised us his phone number and failed to deliver...but that is okay I guess as I am probably as old as his mother! (Just teasing here)"
—Anita, New Westminster

"We loved it! Unfortunately we live on Vancouver Island, otherwise I'd love to come and see it again! Very funny with lots of great music and dance."
—Nora, Duncan

"What a fabulous show! Each of the 5 "boyz" were talented bundles of energy. By the time we left the theatre our faces were sore from laughing so much! As soon it was over, I wanted to see it all again -- now that's entertainment!"
—Kathryn, South Surrey

"An absolutely flawlessly funny, engaging Wednesday matinee production. Powerful vocals, hilarious comedy, fabulous entertainment. Thanks to all involved -- not least of which are all the cast members!!!!!"
—Sandra, White Rock

"Very much enjoyed - upbeat and uplifting! Well done."
—Jonine, Vancouver

"What a delight! This show touched all emotions, was entertaining and tightly presented by a group of exceptionally talented young men. Thank you for one of the best shows I have ever seen."
—Michele, Gibsons

"Absolutely fantastic!! As a 'Catholic' it was a great chance to laugh at some of our peculiar rituals. I Went to a funeral the day after I was at the theatre and almost broke out loud with laughter as I kept kneeling, standing, and sitting and then came the incense, cross, bells!!! Saw the production on a matinee and then brought my daughter from Osoyoos to see it. She too had a great time. Congratuluations to all 5 Altar Boyz!!!"
—Rosemary, Vancouver

"We loved the Altar Boyz! We never realized that our Catholic background would put us on the right side of an inside joke. We took our 16 year old son and his friend and they're still laughing. Great cast, great show:)"
—Dee

"OMG!!!!! What a night! Will be coming back before it ends for sure. Those boys are so talented and full of energy.Thank you Arts Club for holding it over."
—Barb, Richmond

"Excellent show that had great singing and was packed with energy and excitement. The show kept my attention from start to finish which is amazing for someone with a very short span of attention. ***** 5 stars and I would see it again."
—Tyler, North Vancouver

"We just LOVED it! Very witty and funny. The cast was amazing!!! Usually there are one or two favorites in a cast - not sure I could choose - they were all very talented and fabulous in their roles."
—Marion, North Vancouver

"Lively and enjoyable! Very tastefully done. You had fun with Catholicism without deriding it. Thank you."
—J, Halifax, NS

"Great show, big laughs, wonderful talent"
—Kathleen

"Altar Boyz was the best production of the season! The energy, music, choreography and humour all made for a very enjoyable evening! Thanks!"
—Lois, Vancouver

"What a night of fun! Great dancing, singing and edgy humor. Loved every minute."
—Barbara, Bellinghma, WA

"Excellent! 90 mins of constant energy by five talented young men. Reminders of NKTB, NSYNC and other boy bands of the 90s and even a bit of the original Motown Temptations, ChiLites, etc with the choreographed 'dance' moves. Back-up band was excellent too. Loved NOT having an intermission."
—Patricia

"It was really good, full of energy and enthusiasm"
—Barb, Langley

"I enjoyed it, again! I was treated to this production on June 22/09 by a friend. Not knowing a thing about it I was thoroughly entertained by what I experienced, so much so that I brought a friend last Saturday (July 11/09). We had a great time and I was not disappointed for having seen it once before. All the best to the Cast, Crew and the fantastic Band who supported the performers. Who knows, maybe I will see it one more time!"
—Anthony, Vancouver

"The best! What a fantastic way to end the season at the Arts Club. All the 'boyz' were unique and worthy of their own applause. Catchy music and loads of laughs. A must see production!"
—Paula, Surrey

"3 friends & I (all seniors) saw Altar Boyz on Saturday and every one of us LOVED it!! We all were so impressed with the whole production. Mostly, though, we were jealous of the energy level!!"
—Wendy

"Holy Smoke! This IS a fun show! All five of these young men are excellent!"
—The Millikens, Scottsdale, Arizona

"Harmony to Die For! Heavenly Performance! Devilishly clever! Angelic Energy! I AM CONVERTED!!"
—Gail, Vancouver

"Lots of fun, great tunes, polished performances!"
—John, Vancouver

"Nicely done, very light hearted and entertaining. Great value, love to support the arts in our city."
—John, Vancouver

"This was my third time seeing your show. It gets even better each time!! Such wonderful talent and energy..."
—Anonymous

"Wow! This show was full of energy, humour and great singing! I absolutely loved it from the moment I took my seat. It was 85 minutes of pure entertainment. My 12-year-old daughter loved it as well. She was singing "Jesus called me on my cellphone..." all the way home! Highly recommend this laugh out loud production."
—Leanne, Maple Ridge

"My husband and I thought the Altar Boyz was brilliant! It was very professional done and the dancing was superb. Enjoyed every minute."
—Teri, North Vancouver

"Altar Boyz was so uplifting, vibrant and powerful, we have seen it twice. A friend we took to our second viewing is arranging to go a second time himself with another group of friends. The musical energy is infectious, the choreography fun, and the talent of the performers outstanding. This show is a real winner."
—Karen

"Dynamic, Delicious, Devilishly Delightful production. These Boys are at the top of their game. Bring your open minded friends, family, and priest to this rollicking, rollercoaster of revelry. Once is not enough!"
—Heather, Richmond

"The show was really fantastic. All the actors were right on the mark with each song, dance, or playful delivery. It was everything we were seeking - a light-heated, witty show that still retained a big heart."
—John, Vancouver

"Wonderful show and what an opportunity to see it for such an affordable price. Because of that special offer, I was able to bring family members from out-of-town. We had a great time and couldn't have enjoyed the front row centre any more than we did!"
—Steph, Vancouver

"Fantastic - Awesome 5 star !!!! We loved it and love telling people to go and enjoy it for themselves. Thanks for the laughs!"
—Anna, New Westminster

"FABULOUS! my favorite by far this year! where do we get our souvenir T-shirts and CDS?"
—June, Vancouver

"These guys should really consider forming a band they were amazing . One of the best shows so far, but we have never seen a bad show yet at Granville Island."
—Mary, Vancouver

"I loved this show! I laughed so hard for the first 20 minutes…The actors did such a good job of playing their parts and the singing was amazing. Excellent show."
—Lori

"absolutely wonderful!!!! fun, energetic and the vocals were outstanding, particularly David Hurwitz."
—Anonymous

"Your production is a joy to behold, Bill. You elicited outstanding performances from the cast, and Sara-Jeanne Hosie's choreography is quite superb. Congrats to all involved in the show, I'll send you some viewers"
—George

"What energy! Great voices--terrific lyrics--great choreography. Generally a great evening full of laughs and great music."
—Judi, Vancouver

"I found Altar Boyz to be one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. The vocals where surpassed only by the amazing dancing. This is a show that will require another visit"
—Bert, Kelowna


Artistic team

Book by Kevin Del Aguila
Music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker
Conceived by Marc Kessler and Ken Davenport
Starring Jak Barradell, Jeremy Crittenden, Michael Culp, Brandyn Eddy, Geoff Stevens
Director Bill Millerd
Choreographer Sara-Jeanne Hosie
Musical Supervisor Sasha Niechoda
Musical Director Jim Hodgkinson
Musicians Buff Allen, Doug Balfour, Jim Hodgkinson, David Sinclair
Set Designer Ted Roberts
Costume Designer Sheila White
Lighting Designer Marsha Sibthorpe
Sound Designer Andy Horka
Stage Manager Louis-Marie Bournival
Assistant Stage Manager April Starr Land


Downloads

House Programme