London Gets Pop Religion with Altar Boyz???

Dubbed “the PT Barnum of Off-Broadway” by the New York Times, US producer Ken Davenport is in town and apparently on the hunt for a London theatre home for one of his hits, most likely the long-running Off-Broadway musical Altar Boyz.

Whispers have been circulating for some time about a possible transfer, which is hardly surprising considering Altar Boyz’s popularity elsewhere in the world. The award-winning show has enjoyed success all over the US and currently has international resident productions in Korea, Hungary, Finland, Australia, Montreal and the Philippines.

The Altar Boyz are Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham; a Christian (and Jewish) pop band who are looking to convert the masses through their 'Raise the Praise' concerts. Featuring lyrics such as "Girl, you make me wanna wait" and "Jesus called me on my cell phone", the show satirises the somewhat unlikely mix of both boy bands and religion.

First seen at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), Altar Boyz premiered Off-Broadway in March 2005. It’s co-conceived by Davenport and Mark Kessler, with a book by Kevin Del Aguila and music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walter. Davenport’s other Stateside credits include 13 and The Awesome 80s Prom he has yet to make his London debut. Let's hope Altar Boyz will have us singing his praises soon enough!

- by Rowena Betts - Theatregoer Reporter

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