<p>My week started with a visit to the backstage corridors of the Hanna
Theatre in Playhouse Square. I was ushered up a staircase and into the
green room where I was greeted by the cast of Altar Boyz. We started our
video with introductions and met the cast of characters. Matthew (Josh
Rhett Noble), Mark (Matthew Ryan Thompson), Luke (Dan Grgic), Juan (Ryan
Jagru) and “he’s Jewish” Abraham (Connor O’Brien).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I got a really warm vibe from the cast and learned quite a bit about
the history of the production. Most fascinating to me was that this
same cast performed Altar Boyz at the Beck Center in Lakewood in 2008
and that the Beck was producing this run as well. Matthew Ryan Thompson
is the only new addition to the show and had only 2 weeks and 10
rehearsals to learn the 90 minute production. We finished our interview
shoot (<strong> </strong><strong><a href="http://q104.radio.com/2011/01/14/video-kory-interviews-the-cast-of-altar-boyz/" target="_blank">Check out the video here</a>)</strong> with a walk on the Hanna’s thrust stage and a trip to the $10 Smart Seats, which are actually a steal inside the Hanna.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span id="more-34514"></span></p>
<p>Thursday night I took my seat in the newly renovated theatre and
marveled at the now completed set. I had seen the inside of the theatre
before but not fully lit for a show, it was quite a sight. The show
started late after a few ‘time teases’ from V.O.G. announcer Martin
Savidge (Worldfocus, CNN and NBC) which really created a concert vibe.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The lights dropped, the band started playing and I really felt like I
was about to witness an N*Sync or Backstreet Boys concert. The boys
took the stage and immediately grabbed a laugh before taking their first
step. Three words, “World, World, World.” The show seemed a little
“preachy” at first but Mark (Matthew Ryan Thompson) breaks the ice
during “Rhythm In Me” and you soon realize this is no traditional gospel
lesson. Thompson made the role of the flamboyant (but not gay…openly…or
something) Mark his own and steals the show on several occasions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Several of the big ‘knee slappers’ in the show are delivered by the
Dan Grgic as Luke. This band member made a stop through a rehab facility
recently due to ‘exhaustion.’ Anyone who follows the pop culture
celebretards and their various rehab stints will appreciate this part of
the storyline and Dan’s exaggerated delivery.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Juan (Ryan Jagru) is a hysterical mix of Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Agador from <em>The Birdcage</em>
and a telenovela character. Ladies if you sit near the front of the
house there is a pretty good chance you will get hit on by the
heartthrob at one point or another. Jagru accentuates the character with
accurate flamenco body language and exaggerated Latin machismo. You
can’t not love this character!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Connor O’Brien’s performance as Abraham starts off a little cheesy (I
can imagine it was written that way) but as the show goes on this
character really begins to tug on your heart strings. O’Brien’s depth
and vocal talent will amaze you and probably (as was the case with me)
catch you off guard and reaching for a tissue as he sings “I Believe”
late in the show. It was just a shame his mic kept shorting out before
finally going out completely.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sound was a big issue on Thursday night. Right from the beginning I
didn’t feel like there was enough music in the mix, at certain points I
could actually hear the dance steps on the stage over the music. Not
very ‘concert-y’ (I just made that a word) at all. During the Genesis of
the Altar Boyz ‘according to Abraham’ scene I could not hear “God’s”
dialogue at all. If I were to give anything a negative review it would
be the sound. I only hope it improves as the run continues.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I save Josh Rhett Noble (Matthew) for last because he is the
returning lead in the show and his experience with the script shines
through. His lines seemed very natural as though he indeed was on the
last night of the “Raise The Praise” tour. His vocals were spot on and
he really came across as a big brother figure to his ‘AB boyz.’ His
rendition of “Girl, You Make Me Want To Wait” will have you laughing out
loud (or lol’ing for the cool kids). One reviewer called him ‘sweaty.’ I
would challenge said writer to dance for 90 minutes straight under hot
light’s while singing live and not break a sweat…I think I’ll stick to
radio.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Overall I give the Altar Boyz an 8 out of 10. The guys knew their
parts cold and danced their asses off. The vocal harmonies will move
you, the storyline will entertain you and the Soul Sensor (from the good
people at Sony) will have you wondering if its ‘got yo numba!’ The
music, lighting, staging, choreography, acting and vocals were spot on.
The sound however was very distracting and pulled me out of the show on a
few occasions. This musical is not for those who take their religion
(or themselves for that matter) too seriously, but if you believe that
God has a sense of humor and created us all just the way we are, then
head to the <a href="http://www.playhousesquare.org/" target="_blank">playhousesquare.org</a> and pick up your tickets for Altar Boyz…it will ‘altar’ your mind.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Altar Boyz is playing at the Hanna Theatre Playhouse Square in Downtown Cleveland through January 30<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The views and opinions of the writer are his alone and do not
necessarily reflect the view and opinions of CBS Radio, Q104, it’s
staff, management or advertisers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kory is the night/interim afternoon DJ on Cleveland's Q104! Send questions or comments to: <a href="mailto:radiokory@gmail.com">radiokory@gmail.com</a> <br></p><div style="visibility: hidden; left: -5000px;" id="avg_ls_inline_popup">
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