By, Kayla Gordon
Hey Rainbow gang! I was asked to blog a bit about Altar Boyz and being a former Rainbow performer I’d love to report a bit about the experience with this fresh, fun high octane musical. When I first saw Altar Boyz in New York, I loved the reaction the musical got from the audience. They were sitting there singing along and having so much fun with the interactive part of the show, it was hilarious to watch. You know it's magic when the audience and the performers come together and have that personal connection. I also love the comedic aspects in the musical. The spoof on the boy bands as well as the whole genre and style of music. I also love the mix of the high power dancing and singing. To have 5 guys on stage giving off that kind of energy is electric.
The opportunity to do a show for a second time, thanks to Prairie Theatre Exchange is such a treat. Winnipeg Studio Theatre mounted the show at the Winnipeg Fringe in 2009 and I was thrilled when Bob Metcalf said he wanted to put it into their 2011-12 season. So what’s different.....this production will have a lot more of the 'bells and whistles'. Better lighting, a set that doesn't take 5 minutes to put up and tear down after each performance, a 4-piece band on stage, as well as other embellishments that weren’t possible at the fringe. We have also had more time to delve into the characters and their journey as they travel on the road to save the souls of the audience.
Altar Boyz won the Outer Critics Circle Award for best off Broadway musical which is an award given by writers. It has also been one of the longest running off Broadway musicals ever with over 2000 performances in New York. People just love it. It's light entertainment and we all like to have fun, have a good laugh and yet you feel something for these guys as well as you get to know them. PTE audiences will also get a kick out of the audience members who get involved in the show. It's good, clean interactive theatre in an intimate setting with just the right amount of spice.
