ALTAR BOYZ

There’s no doubt about it, Altar Boyz rockz!

Davine Interventionz first staged its energetic and hilarious production of this award-winning Off-Broadway musical in March, and its current ‘Second Coming’ remains a wonderful night out, whatever your age.

Satirising the current Boy Band trend and giving a screamingly funny yet respectful serve at religion as well, this production highlights the wealth of talent there is amongst Adelaide’s young performers.

Directed by the divinely talented David Gauci, Altar Boyz tells the story of five young guys from Ohio, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham. They meet in church, where they are given spiritual inspiration to start a boy band and tour the world, saving souls through ‘funk and rhyme’.

Brady Lloyd is a stand-out as the group’s chick-magnet lead singer, Matthew. His strong voice soars, his comic timing is excellent and he has the stage presence of a rock star.

As Mark, a gay guy struggling with his unrequited love for Matthew, Brody Thomas-Green is bitchy and poignant in equal measure; a fantastic performance.

Gareth Wilkes, as Luke, David Salter as Juan, and Lindsay Prodea as the Jewish boy, Abe, each produce strong characterisation and humour in their roles, together with amazing singing.

Amongst the many musical numbers, the medley of songs in which each of the boys provides his own take on the Altar Boyz ‘genesis’ is exceptional.

The energy and enthusiasm amongst the cast is infectious and the patrons are quickly caught up in the show, playing their own roles as a typical noisy boy band audience.

The band behind The Boyz consists of Musical Director, Emma Knights (keyboards), Susan Miceli (drums) and Reid Sampson (guitar). All are suitably clergy-attired and very good. Miceli’s drum solo is a stand-out.

Shenayde Wilkinson- Sarti’s choreography is excellent in that it produces all the moves we would expect of this boy band.

David Gauci’s set design is strong, with props cleverly hidden but accessed quickly and easily by each of The Boyz. Gauci’s costume design is simple but good.

Lighting on opening night was adequate, but needs tweaking due to some intrusive shadows at the sides of the stage.

Altar Boyz deserves much bigger audiences than the numbers present on opening night, so don’t miss it.  This show is fantastic fun… and good for the soul.

Lesley Reed