Altar Boyz: Hit Off-Broadway Musical at Celebration Theatre
Celebration Theatre (West Hollywood, CA)
Rated 3.7 by 75 members who went.
Celebration Theatre presents Altar Boyz. This Off-Broadway hit has found popular success and critical acclaim. It's a clever and tuneful spoof tellling the tale of a pious boy band and their attempts to achieve fame, with such tunes as "Girl You Make Me Wanna Wait" and "Jesus Called Me On My Cell Phone."
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
* Additional fees apply.
Currently at Celebration Theatre:
- Full Price:
- $25.00
- Our Price:
- $12.50
Celebration Theatre presents a satire of 1950s B-movies that featured women in prison. Written by Tony- and Grammy-winner Tom Eyen (Dreamgirls), the black comedy Women Behind Bars tells the story of Mary Eleanor, a young woman framed for a crime she didn't commit, and her harrowing journey through the Women's House of Detention in Greenwich Village. Learn More
56 Member Reviews
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Thomas Mosley
Member since 2004
23 Reviews
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The New York production of Altar Boyz is as legendary as the Statue of Liberty. The idea that the Celebration Theater was producing its own version of the long running off-Broadway smash was… well… ambitious. I love a surprise. Celebration Theater’s production of Altar Boyz is as good (if not better) than the original. What sets this production apart is the small space in which it is performed. This production benefits from the 99 seat Equity Waver Theater setting. You are literally on top of the action. And you cannot help but sympathize with the Boyz mission to save souls in West Hollywood as this 5 man casts gives 101%. The backup band is first rate and does not overwhelm the vocal performances. Clifford Bañagale is particularly notable as the Altar Boy with suppressed sexual feelings. Jake Wesley Stewart also hits the mother load as the Altar Boy who suffers from “exhaustion”. This show will be a big hit for Celebration Theater. And you will benefit from seeing this show. I’m still smiling.
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Robert Jaffe
Member since 2006
7 Reviews
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Amazing show... can't believe I saw it for fifteen bucks... ten stars!!
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Michael Harris
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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FANTASTIC....totally enjoyable! Every element of this performance was superbly executed...from music, to singing, dance, acting, and stage setting. I enjoyed it beyond all expectations. The connection with the audience was immediate and didn't fail once. MAGNIFICENT!
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Patrick Keller
Member since 2008
4 Reviews
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Absolutely incredible, and worth seeing over and over again!! All the BOYZ were awesome and gave 110% with their roles. The dancing was high energy, the comedic timing superb and the singing top notch!
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Steven Chapin
Member since 2004
24 Reviews
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Fantastic! Great actors, great voices, great use of space and the audience. Way fun!
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Kevin Norte
Member since 2008
15 Reviews
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Alter Boyz was not what I expected but I enjoyed it nevertheless. The settting is the last concert on the Alter Boyz US national tour. As written, it is set whereever it is being performed. In this instance, West Hollywood supplies some in jokes of its own, like the line about, "...but we never played WEST HOLLYWOOD before" in reference to sin.
In its charm, the mock-boy band performs in West Hollywood and what you see is their final performance. All of the Boyz have their moment but Luke (Jake Wesley Stewart), fresh off of BIG at West Coast Ensamble, stood out for me because of the range of his voice. For an Alter Boy, he had a very soulful charm and voice.
Do not expect to see any skin. It is very PG and the show does not need to go there.
If you are in the mood for a show about friendship, showbusiness, and success, with a parady of boy bands and religion thrown in, then Alter Boyz is up your alley.
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Amber
Member since 2009
2 Reviews
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I saw the show this Saturday, and I thought it was absolutely fantastic! My cheeks literally hurt from smiling the whole show! The cast is so talented, and worked so well together! Not only can they sing, and dance, they are funny too! It was also wonderfully directed, especially for the smaller space! I loved all of the audience interaction! Kudos all around! It made for such a fun night! I am going to recommend it to everyone I know!
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RVega
Member since 2006
2 Reviews
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This show is fantastic. I highly recommend going to see it. I first saw Altar Boyz in New York and wasn't sure how they would pull off doing it in this small theater. They did and it was great. Show is very funny and interactive.
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Jose R.
Member since 2005
51 Reviews
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The show was full of energy, fun, dancing and singing. I did not expect this show to move me but it did. I had the honor of sitting beside the producer of the show and I congratulated him for a job well done. A must-see for everyone. I'm recommending this show to my friends.
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Robert H.
Member since 2007
13 Reviews
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The venue was great. It was a small theater, but clean and well maintained compared to other indy theaters I have been to.
The actors were all great - they could dance and sing and was great to see them interact with the audience during the course of the play. I would definitely recommend the play to people who grew up Catholic or Christian. The play pokes fun at religious stereotypes, but not in a cruel way. Its more lighthearted in its theme and no where near sacriligous as I initially expected it to be.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Saw a preview Wednesday night and thought the prodcution and the show were brilliant. Sitting with my raised-Catholic wife made it especially hilarious.
The dancing and singing were incredible and the show is serously funny. As usual Patrick Pearson gets the most out of everything and everyone invloved. We'll be back, probably multiple times!
See it!!!!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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This show is witty, campy and poignant. You will laugh and you may even cry by the deeply affecting ending. Skillfully directed and wonderfully executed by the performers and musicians. Its a "must see"!
C.Wyand
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Ivelaw P.
Member since 2006
3 Reviews
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Broadway-quality singing and comedic acting. A delight from start to finish.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Having reached the end of their Raise the Praise tour, the quintet Altar Boyz work hard to sing and dance the word into hearts and save the souls of the audience. Celebration Theatre’s production directed by Patrick Pearson lovingly pokes fun at the phenomenon of boy bands and Christian rock music without ever being mean or disrespectful. The 99-seat theatre is the perfect space where the audience will experience an explosive and intimate performance from five of the hardest working young guys in Los Angeles.
There are no weak links in this production. The costumes are fantastically hip, the live band was tight and the choreography is original, elaborate and fun. The charismatic cast sing and dance non-stop, and do some great scene work in between. Kelly Rice and Jesse Bradley vocally anchor an already strong ensemble. It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in a Black Box Theatre.
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Stuart L.
Member since 2005
15 Reviews
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The acting, singing, and the choreography were all just wonderful.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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I have seen Altar Boys in New York and I thought this production was every bit as entertaining. It's an incredibly high energy show. The cast is ridiculously talented. and hilarious.
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Shellynne Vontoure
Member since 2007
4 Reviews
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Absolutely Loved it! The theatre is small, but rather than detracting from the pleasure, it actually enhanced it. I can't remember a time I was so close to the actors that I could detect the twinkle in an eye or actually felt them make real contact with the audience, but that's exactly what happens at the Celebration Theatre. The story is very 'tongue-in-cheek' but about halfway through, I realized that between the laughs, some real emotion was taking place. By the time the play ended, the happiness was was as infectious as some of the music. Five wonderful singers (several are truly engaging!!), four (or was it five?) wonderful musicians, a fun-filled script, clever songs. Great way to spend an evening!!
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Cherryblossom04
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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I've had the opportunity to see 3 different productions of Altar Boyz, including off-broadway in New York, and these guys are amazing! Completely unique compared to the original version, every Altar Boy puts on a great performance and brings their own style to their character. Definitely a must-see, and I will be back again :)
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Jason
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Absolutely loved it; I too have seen the NYC production with two different casts and this production and cast is just as great. The show is very clever, with great music, and a good story. Also, none of the boyz are hard on the eyes. Very well directed. I highly recommend it.
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Alan Trevor
Member since 2005
26 Reviews
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Great cast. Like a rock concert with comedy.
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Alyssa Marie
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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I greatly enjoyed this musical! I liked this production of "Altar Boyz" better than the one I saw in New York years ago. I would recommend it to any one!
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Daniel N.
Member since 2005
13 Reviews
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This is a must see if you haven't seen any productions of this play so far in the Southland. A terrific cast with great voices and the fun never stops! The energy by the entire cast is catching and you do believe they're sincere (even though of course it's all a come on!) But we loved getting to the inevitable conclusion just the same!
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Chromolume
Member since 2004
3 Reviews
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Awesome show! Highly recommend anyone to go see it.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
16 Reviews
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AWESOME!!! I've seen this before in a larger venue and this production was just as good. Actors did an outstanding job with the small space of the stage. Lighting, music, acting, songs and choreography were excellent. I highly recommend this to anyone!! Please note - no parking lot so make sure you get there early enough to find street parking and bring plenty of quarters to feed the parking meters!
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dusty whitted
Member since 2008
14 Reviews
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excellent show. love every single minute of the show. please go and see it.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
3 Reviews
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I was in NYC when this first opened and failed to see it. Four years later here I am seeing it for the first time. I loved it! Do not delay as I did. Get your tickets, sit back, and enjoy. The venue is small and all seats are good. No need to get there early as I went to a 3pm showing and the theater did not open up until 15 minutes before show time. They have a small snack bar, but the waiting area lacks seating so think about arriving just before they open the doors. Lots of street parking and things to see in the area. Enjoy !
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Debra N.
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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This production was fantastic! I've seen the show four other times in various places, including the national tour, and the show completely measured up to everything else I've seen. The small venue is the perfect size for the show and the cast brought owned their characters with equal comedy and heart. This is a must-see for everyone who wants to have a lively, touching, fun time at the theatre.
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Alana
Member since 2009
2 Reviews
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Loved it! "Alter Boyz" was hilariously funny; had a great mix of the old teachings and new technology and did an excellent job of making fun of ourselves and our expectations for ourselves. Excellent writing, composition, choreography, talent, and casting. If that wasn't enough we were able to stay and see Five Finger Discount for only $5; It was as good as seeing "Saturday Night Live"-Live! The cherry on top...I got to see one of the "Will and Grace" actors in person(sorry I don't know his name. The flammer best friend of Will.)
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Dan
Member since 2003
13 Reviews
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The best show I have seen in a long time.
I highly recommend seeing this show.
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Allen S.
Member since 2005
4 Reviews
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GREAT SONG AND MUSIC,LOTS OF ENERGY
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2004
1 Reviews
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Fantastic, fun, high-energy entertainment. Some of the best musical-theatre we've seen in LA. The perfect treat for a night out. Really. I'm already looking to get tickets for my folks, as an excuse to go again.
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MYRA STRAUSSMAN
Member since 2009
2 Reviews
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Great performance and made for a wonderful evening.
Have recommended the Altar Boyz to all my friends.
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abbyhankins
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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So much fun. everything i wanted it to be and more. if you love dancing and pop music and religious jokes? ( i think that includes everyone ) you should really go!
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eric silver
Member since 2009
2 Reviews
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Good play lots of energy and alot of fun.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
1 Reviews
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I came to this show expecting a hoary, past its prime, boy-band show. And what I got was a delightfully sly, comical, very fun show that somehow managed to get past all those negative expectations to give me something to cheer about. Go see it!
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Philip Smith
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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The energy, the individual voices were outstanding, a GREAT ensemble! And very good story and the guys really kept the pace just right. Only difficulty was the sound at times, not always even and some loud crackling near the end. But, the "Catholic" bent was just right! Thanks for a entertaining and thought provoking show! Yeah Celebration Theater!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
1 Reviews
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The leader of the group was very good as was the house band! However other castmembers and the staging made the show at times very hard to watch.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
4 Reviews
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I'm not sure what show others saw, but I barely made it through the first half hour. I found the music and lyrics self-conscious and indulgent. What tried to be playful came off patronizing, as if the performers considered the audience to dim to recognize they were being spoon fed an underdeveloped project. I certainly didn't hear any great voices.
It tried, but it didn't work. I was very disappointed.
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Edwin Samayoa
Member since 2009
3 Reviews
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the best show this year 3rd time A+++
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Lisa Dunbar
Member since 2009
2 Reviews
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Talented cast, wonderful production in a small theater venue. Seating is general admission which is fine but all of the seats facing the stage area were all reserved for subscription holders. That left the side seating for the rest of us. We were behind a column and had to keep moving to the left and right to try and see everything. Knowing what I know now about the seating, I probably won't go back to this venue although the production was very good and we had a lot of fun.
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Patrick
Member since 2005
6 Reviews
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5 very strong performances by some of L.A.'s most talented and attractive actors. I highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys a good, fun musical.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
1 Reviews
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It was so good and I enjoyed too much. The music dancing, and story were more than expected. So nice to see it at the Celebration Theater.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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I don't know if I was more amazed at the talent or the fact that my second row seat cost $15.00. Every cast member was Broadway quality. I'm checking Itunes for the music. Fabulous evening!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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What a fabulous show! I loved every moment, didn't want it to end...Please extend the show! You can't leave us like that...Altar Boyz!!!!!
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Michael G
Member since 2006
7 Reviews
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A little rough around the edges but over all an enjoyable show with a few standout moments.
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Dan Houze
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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Lot's of fun...clever lyrics and whitty comedy. At first I was a bit nervous to see if the writers would take the comedy too far...not once. It was very tasteful and funny at the same time. The boys are great and very confident in such an intimate setting.... p.s. even us Catholics will love to laugh at this, lots of cute moments.
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Patty
Member since 2003
40 Reviews
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High energy.. perfect casting.. great voices.. laughed hilariously all night.. .wonderful wonderful show with a fabulous cast.. see this now.. it will sell out nightly as time goes on..
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paul p
Member since 2004
83 Reviews
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Definitely worth seeing, very talented cast, downside was it would work better in a proscenium theatre. Space was small and performers seems to be dancing into the first rows of the theatre. High energy.
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Bobby baby, Bobby boobie
Member since 2005
9 Reviews
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I had already seen this show Off Broadway in NYC and though this cast wasn't as charismatic as the cast I saw in NY, the local cast is very good, for the most part, with excellent singing voices, and the production in general WAS as good as the NY show.
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unamas
Member since 2008
3 Reviews
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Cute boys. Great performances. Funny. Altar Boyz is a lighthearted musical with a lot of funny, upbeat songs. The play itself is hilarious and light-hearted and the actors gave great performances. The fact that some of the cast was really cute didn't hurt either. I've never been to the Celebration Theatre before. The theater is really really small, but that is good cause you get to be right up close with the actors who jump and swing themselves all over the small theater and reach out and literally shake your hand. Its open seating so get there early to get seats facing the stage as opposed to on the sides. The main issue I had was the sound system was malfunctioning badly and made a horrible buzzing noise during half our performance. Too bad cause the actors gave great performances and it really ruined our enjoyment of it.
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Arthur Y.
Member since 2003
35 Reviews
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This is one of my all-time favorite shows (seen four times in NYC). The cast here was energetic enough; however, I did not enjoy their singing (very uneven). Jesse Bradley is a bit chubby to play a heartthrob. Clifford Banagale is too short to play a flaming queen. The unflattery costume may well be the worst part of the show.
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Ben Benne
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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"Altar Boyz" is a high energy show delivered in a dynamic, crowd-pleasing manner. While it is evident that the writing is weak; under the direction of Patrick Pearson, the production is sure to put a smile on the face of its audience (as it did with me). Because it is a satire, the cheesy aspect of the show actually works. This production achieves satire but in a playful and tasteful manner. And while it is enjoyable, the production still provokes thought.
The overall production design is great; it actually feels like a concert which adds to its charm. The choreography is fantastic and the use of space is maxmized. However, the costumes should have been more modern and updated in appearance.
The cast, while clearly talented in terms of dancing and singing, was uneven in terms of acting.
Jesse Bradley is the standout delivering his role with fantastic specificity and it's clear that he's enjoying every moment on stage.
Kelly Rice is also strong, giving a believable and magnetic performance, especially considering how little he has to work with when compared to the other characters.
The characters of Mark and Luke have the most comedic opportunities, but for each hit there was a miss. Their level of commitment to character waivered at times as if they were commenting on the characters.
One of the greatest missed opportunities was a key scene involving the character Juan when he receives some heartbreaking news - the scene rang completely false when it could have been a poignant, chilling moment.
Overall, the production is a success. It lends itself to a diverse audience and it will be enjoyed by many. Even a good friend of mine, who is very vocal about her distaste for musicals, expressed how wonderful the show is and declared that she "loved it." A true testament to the talent involved with this production.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
4 Reviews
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Very enjoyable performance by a group of cute, young, talented guys! The music did tend to overshadow the singing at times, making it hard to hear the lyrics. Otherwise a terrifically well done production.
We look forward to other similar offerings.
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Ben B
Member since 2007
8 Reviews
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Overall I enjoyed this production. The cast members had great energy - which was a little over the top in this very small venue. One of the cast members had technical problems with his head mic, and had to switch to a hand held microphone which hindered his choreography. I've seen productions of this show twice before - once in New York, and once in San Diego - and although I thought both of those productions were somewhat better - this production was still very good, and I would definitely recommend it to others. One suggestion about the space - try to get there a little early so that you can get seats either in the center or left side, because if you sit on the right side of the stage as I did, your view is hindered by a very large post.
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K
Member since 2005
14 Reviews
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Other than sound problems (there were times the dialogue was lost perhaps due to some technical problems), but is was still a funny, moving, and hilarious production. I would recommend it to others.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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Top Useful Tips
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Celebration Theatre. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
Dress
- Casual
- Yes, that is theater these days, very casual.
Parking And Transportation
- Nearby street [meter] parking
- Lots of nearby free street parking.
- Found parking on La Brea
Food And Drinks
- A concession stand inside
- Concession stand with by donation wine!
- Cute guy! wanted to sell his wares, the candy was great!
Other
- Great small theater!
- There's no intermission for this show, so be sure to make your 'pit stop' beforehand!
- Get there very early for a seat so you can find a good seat not reserved for a subscription holder
More Details About Altar Boyz
More Information
Celebration Theatre presents the first show of their 2009-2010 season, the Los Angeles intimate theatre premiere of the heavenly smash-hit, musical comedy sensation, Altar Boyz. Altar Boyz will be choreographed by Ameenah Kaplan with musical direction by Chris Bratten and directed by Patrick Pearson.
Altar Boyz, the acclaimed musical comedy, is winner of the coveted Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical Off-Broadway! Full of sharp parody, sinfully spectacular dancing, and irreverent humor, this spoof about a heavenly guy-group is adored by audiences and critics alike. With an extraordinary mix of side-splitting songs convincing enough to be played on MTV, uncontrollable laughs and lighthearted fun, this award-winning and totally original new musical is 90 minutes of pure delight that's suitable for all ages and will have the whole family laughing and singing along.
Altar Boyz tells the holy inspiring story of 5 small-town boys - Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham - trying to save the world one screaming fan at a time. Their pious pop act, including lyrics like "Girl You Make Me Wanna Wait" and "Jesus Called Me On My Cell Phone," worked wonders on the Ohio bingo-hall-and-pancake-breakfast circuit. But when fate brings them to West Hollywood, will the boyz be able to resist the tinsel town temptations? With angelic voices, sinfully spectacular dancing and a touching story, Altar Boyz is destined to rock the masses of all denominations!
Celebration Theatre
Celebration Theatre is a company of artists dedicated to creating a dynamic outlet for progressive gay and lesbian voices in contemporary theater and performance in Los Angeles. They intend to create a broader involvement in their community, conduct a rigorous exploration of society's changing sentiments and values, and share these explorations with a wider audience.
