'Altar Boyz' At The Miracle Theatre

Fresh from the stages of New York, the new boy band sensation Altar Boyz comes to Coral Gables, spreading the word of faith with songs, tight jeans and synchronized choreography. The show debuts at the Miracle Theatre on Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 10, 2008.
 
2005 Winner of Best Off-Broadway Musical, and still playing in New York City, Altar Boyz is a high-energy musical that follows Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham on the last leg of their " Raise the Praise" tour. The Boyz come ready to steal hearts and sing songs to an audience of screaming, adoring fans of all denominations.
 
Altar Boyz is a tongue-in-cheek musical that has fun with organized religion but carries a message of acceptance and the value of faith. Altar Boyz is a musical and a concert wrapped into one show full of hot dancing, hair products, catchy songs and lots of laughs, making it one of the "holiest" hits around.
 
Actors' Playhouse Executive Producing Director Barbara Stein is excited to have Altar Boyz make its South Florida regional theatre premiere at the Miracle Theatre.
 
"Altar Boyz is the perfect way to kick off your New Year at the theatre," said Stein. "It is a feel-good musical with a great message. Audiences are sure to leave the theatre dancing with smiles on their faces."
 
According to Artistic Director David Arisco, the energy of Altar Boyz sets this show apart.
 
"Altar Boyz is by far the most high-powered entertainment you will see this season," Arisco said. "It's funny, smart and features five incredibly talented, young actors/singers/dancers. It's hot!"
 
Altar Boyz music and lyrics are by Gary Adler and Michael Walker. The book is by Kevin Del Aguila. Director David Arisco and Co-Director/Choreographer Barbara Flaten have gathered five talented actors, all with fine performances to their credit, to star as the Boyz. Xander Chauncey returns to Actors' Playhouse as Matthew, the All-American leader of the band. Chauncey made his debut at Actors' Playhouse as Kenickie in Grease. Having recently finished performing in the Broadway musical Tarzan, Ven Daniel returns to his home turf of South Florida as Luke, the band's self-proclaimed bad boy. Andrew Grosshandler will be making his Actors' Playhouse debut, but it will be his third trip to the altar as Mark, the sensitive one. Grosshandler's other regional credits include Titanic, Cats and the title role in Bat Boy: The Musical. Last seen in Actors' Playhouse's La Cage and White Christmas, University of Miami Musical Theatre grad Jose Luaces returns to the Miracle Theatre stage as Juan, the Latin heartthrob. Rounding out the band is Christopher Hudson Myers as Abraham, the Jewish songwriter. Myers recently finished touring the world with Holland America Cruise Line and Stiletto Entertainment and recently completed a regional run as Riff in West Side Story.

Altar Boyz will preview at the Miracle Theatre Jan. 16 and 17, open on Jan. 18 and will play through Feb. 10, 2008.  Performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Additional Wednesday Matinees will be held Jan. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.
 
The talkback with the cast of Altar Boyz and the creative team lead by Artistic Director David Arisco will take place following the production on Friday, Jan. 25. The talkback event facilitates discussions between the audience and members of the cast and the production team. Talkbacks will include discussion of creative decisions, motivations and issues surrounding the show.
 
Ticket prices are $33 for preview performances, $38.50 for weeknights and matinees, and $46 for Friday and Saturday evenings. The Gala Opening Night on Jan. 18 is $100 and includes a complimentary Bacardi bar and post-show refreshments sponsored by Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
 
The theatre offers a 10 percent senior discount rate the day of performance and $15 student rush tickets 15 minutes prior to curtain, with identification. All discounts are based on availability and exclude Saturday and Sunday performances.
 
Group discount rates are offered for 15 or more. Theatre/dining packages are available with Coral Gables' select restaurants through their group sales department. Single tickets may be purchased through the box office at 305-444-9293 or online at www.actorsplayhouse.org. 
 
Actors' Playhouse 20th Anniversary Mainstage season also includes FOOTLOOSE, The Musical (March 5 – April 6, 2008), the new comedy-thriller THUMBS  (May 7- June 1, 2008) and Mid Life! The Crisis Musical (July 9 – August 10, 2008).  
 
Subscribers receive premium seating, best savings, benefits, and discounts to the area's choice restaurants and establishments. Season subscriptions for the remaining four shows for the 2007-2008 season are on sale now, with prices ranging from $110 for preview performances, $146 for Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday matinees, $170 for Friday and Saturday evenings, and $174 for VIP Flexible/Anytime tickets for choice reserved seats in every performance. Opening night tickets, including a gala party and complimentary bar, are $266. Subscriptions for children 18 years and younger with a full paid adult subscription, and college students, are $70 (restrictions apply). Miracle Maker donor subscriptions, including two tickets to opening nights, donor acknowledgement, and two tickets to the annual Reach for the Stars Gala Auction April 12, 2008 are $1250.

Actors' Playhouse will celebrate its 20th Anniversary Season at the Intercontinental Hotel Miami on Jan. 27, 2008 at 7 p.m. The celebration will feature performances by the Altar Boyz and other Actors' Playhouse signature alumni performers. 
 
Actors' Playhouse at The Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, Florida, 33134. Phone: (305) 444-9293. www.actorsplayhouse.org .

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