L.A. Gets Regional Premiere of Altar Boyz

Musical Theatre West is set to produce the first regional premiere of the Off-Broadway musical Altar Boyz, with two former New York cast members revisiting the show for the Long Beach run.

James Royce Edwards will return to Altar Boyz, taking on the role of Matthew, after performing in the roles of Luke and then Matthew for nearly seven months in the Off-Broadway production.  Edwards has recently toured with productions of Mamma Mia and Hairspray. 

Danny Calvert also reprises the role of Mark, having performed the character in New York after taking over for Tyler Maynard in 2005.  Other cast members of the upcoming production include Tyler McGee as Luke, Dan Domenech as Juan and Dan Pacheco as Abraham.

"Altar Boyz is the hilarious account of a struggling Christian boy-band (with one nice Jewish boy) looking for their big break in the Big Apple.  Hailed as 'high-octane entertainment' ('Talkin Broadway'), Altar Boyz tells the holy inspiring story of five 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 songs 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 New York, will the 'boyz' take a bite out of the forbidden apple?  With angelic voices, sinfully spectacular dancing and a touching story, Altar Boyz is destined to rock the masses of all denominations!" state notes.

Single tickets for Altar Boyz, are on sale now and range from $25-$52 for adults. Tickets may be ordered by calling the Musical Theatre West Box Office at (562) 856-1999 x4 or stopping by the office at 4350 E. 7th Street (corner of Ximeno Avenue), Long Beach. A limited number of $25 rush tickets may be available one hour prior to each performance; please call ahead to confirm availability. Group discounts are also available for parties of 12 or more; please call (562) 856-1999 x5 for information.

Altar Boyz opens April 21 and runs through May 6, 2007 and promises "exciting new elements" in the show.  For more information on the production and Musical Theatre West, visit www.musical.org.

Photo Linda Lenzi.  Pictured:  Danny Calvert (Altar Boyz) with Jersey Boys John Lloyd Young, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard and James Royce Edwards (Altar Boyz).

 

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