Theatre Memphis brings back the musical, "Altar Boyz" after a successful run in November 2012. This musical satire features local actors,Stephen Garrett, Cody James, Christopher Hanford, Joseph Johnson and Bruce Huffman, who portray Matthew, Mark, Luke Juan and Abraham, and their attempt to save souls, and keep count of the unsaved souls in the audience.
In a statement, Randall Hartzog, Director of Marketing and Communications at Theatre Memphis, "In true boy band fashion, figuratively and literally, local actors Stephen Garrett, Cody James, Christopher Hanford, Joseph Johnson and Bruce Huffman sing and dance at a non-stop pace to the musical direction of Kenny Long and choreography of Jared Johnson. Brandon Kelly is on deck as a swing player and backup singer. Director Cecelia Wingate takes the band and the audience through all the stages of belief and self-doubt and creates a true concert environment. Theatre Memphis resident lighting designer Jeremy Fisher and set designer Christopher McCollum have designed the ultimate venue for the touring band in the Next Stage.
Wingate says, “If this weren’t so much fun I’d think I was in church. There is just something so great about being able to laugh at yourself and still make a poignant point. That makes this show one of a kind. My “posse” has worked their butts off to make this one of the most fun shows I have ever had the privilege to direct. The technical staff at Theatre Memphis just simply makes magic happen. Praise be to the production guys. We’ve had a blast rehearsing Altar Boyz. It’s just so funny and really touching as well. Take every memorable boy band and pop star move, smash it all up and you’ll see it onstage in Altar Boyz! The choreography is fantastic and funny….even the lighting is funny!”
“It was important that the movement be original and true to the boy band style for this to really, really work,” Wingate says. "Jared Johnson as choreographer created the moves and has been working with the cast members on conditioning for months. This is Johnson’s first show to act as the principle choreographer, something he credits Theatre Memphis with the opportunity." "I am so excited about this show," he says with a big smile. “I really thank Theatre Memphis for the trust they put in me. And the guys, too. This show totally rocks.”
Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch feels Altar Boyz is a break-out hit waiting to happen. “Yes, it could be irreverent in places but Cecelia is so good at finding the heart of a story … and she has done that with this show. No doubt. The younger crowd will love this show. I fully expect every one of these talented young men in the show to have groupies before the run is over. Anyone who wishes to follow the Altar Boyz as they gear up for the Memphis gig can 'like' the Facebook page, Altar Boyz Raise the Praise Tour 2012.
Listed below is the credit list for the show:
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY: Gary Adler & Michael Patrick Walker
BOOK BY: Kevin Del Aguila
DIRECTED BY: Cecelia Wingate
MUSICAL DIRECTION BY: Kenny Long
CHOREOGRAPHY BY: Jared Johnson
SPONSORED BY: David Lusk Gallery and Brad & Dina Martin
MEDIA SPONSOR: WKNO 91.1 FM
VENUE AND ADDRESS: Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117
RUN DATES: January 10 – 20, 2013
TIMES OF SHOWS: Thursdays @ 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8pm with matinees @ 2pm on Sundays
TICKETS: $28 adults, $15 students with valid ID
BOX OFFICE: 901.682.8323
WEB PURCHASE: www.theatrememhis.org
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