(Posted February 8, 2009)

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Some musicals are phenomena to which words cannot do justice.

That applies to the award-winning Off-Broadway smash hit ALTAR BOYZ, now having its regional premiere at Roxy Regional Theatre. What has worked in New York and elsewhere for more than four years definitely works here.

I'll try my best, though, to convey in words how much folks will enjoy this show if they go to the Roxy this month to see it.

Humorous songs and dialogue, a satirically potent send-up of the modern collision of faith and pop music boy bands - what's not to love? Add a talented cast choreographed and shepherded by very gifted veterans and you've got a sure-fire recipe for theatrical fun.

The target of the satire, for those who take their faith seriously, is not Judeo-Christian beliefs. It's the modern absurdity of trying to package those beliefs with a Backstreet Boys-like, American Idol-friendly pop group. With tunes that include such titles as "Rhythm in Me," "The Miracle Song" and "Church Rulez," songwriters Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker have created a funny, perceptive score.

Singing those tunes at the Roxy are five strong-voiced performers - Dan Gershaw (Matthew), Bryan Zoppi (Mark), Joel Halstead (Luke), Jonathan Juarbe (Juan) and Chad Parsons (Abraham). Each also handles the characterizations laid out in Kevin Del Aguila's book and the dance moves assigned to them by Braham Logan Crane with believability and ease.

Gershaw's Matthew looks and behaves like he just stepped out of a High School Musical movie; Zoppi's Mark is, well, in touch with his wonderfully developed feminine side; Luke is Marky Mark if he'd been from Ohio in the hands of Halstead. Jaurbe's Juan is an up-and-coming Latin lover - but appropriately still a virgin - while Parsons' Abraham is, to quote from the show, "a Neil Diamond in the rough."

A nod should also go in the direction of Ryan Ploeckelman, whose "Voice of God" narration is a real hoot. Yes, it's written humorously, but Ploeckelman deserves credit for his terrific delivery of the material.

The show's central conceit is that the audience are fans attending the guys' final concert at the end of their "Raise the Praise" tour. That "concert" comes complete with onstage musicians and dance moves to match the musical style of each song.

Director Tom Thayer tickles the piano ivories while Josh Smith plays drums and Brandon Wilson handles guitar. Their excellent play, and Crane's appropriately-exaggerated-for-laughs choreography, really tie this theatrical present up with a neat bow.

ALTAR BOYZ is light, funny, sweet, energetic and well worth the drive to Clarksville if you're not fortunate enough to live there already. Thayer has been managing director of this pro theater since 1983. With delightful productions like this one hopefully he'll be around helming shows for many years to come.