If you missed the show, don't fret. You can catch a video feature with performance clips and interviews right here on Broadway.com next week and rumor has it there's serious talk of reuniting the concert cast in the coming weeks for a recording on the Sh-K-Boom label!
CHURCH RULEZ
I've only had a chance to see one offering of the first annual NY Musical Theatre Festival so far, but I sure picked a winner. I didn't necessarily have high hopes when I entered the 47th Street Theatre to catch Altar Boyz--after all, the subject of all-boy pop groups isn't exactly hot (I caught a West End tuner called Boyband back in 2000) and the cover page of the program listed no less than five conceivers and authors, which struck me as excessive. I mean, this isn't the stage version of The Ten Commandments!
But never judge a musical by its cover page! Altar Boyz, set at the concert of a Christian hip-hop boy band, is a true original with a bright future. Although I feared the premise would be limiting, the show never feels one-note and moves along briskly, revealing its characters and relationships without ever losing credibility as an actual concert. Just about everything feels right--from the songs by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker that spoof a variety of radio-friendly pop (I want the CD--now!) to Christopher Gattelli's fly (and funny!) dances. But it's the boys themselves that carry the show--especially hilarious are Andy Karl as lovable lug Luke and Tyler Maynard as cluelessly swishy Mark. (That's a dope Jennifer Holliday impersonation you've got there, Tyler!) The ethnics in da house--Ryan Duncan as Latin orphan Juan and David Josefsberg as rappin' Jew (complete with Nike yalmuke) Abraham--get a lot of comic mileage by taking on ripe stereotypes. Cheyenne Jackson, saddled with the unnecessary task of being the "straight" man of the show, is less focused as Matthew, the hunky lead of the group. Sure, he's got the look and the voice, but the authors need to find him some of his own funny bits pronto.
Still, it's a minor quibble for a first-rate show, which made me laugh harder than anything in recent memory. You probably won't be able to get in for the rest of the sold-out run of Altar Boyz, but don't you worry. I'm sure they'll be back before you know it, converting audiences to the power of G-O-D and P-O-P. Long live the Altar Boyz!
IN BOX
Dear Paul:
I am a huge and extremely vocal fan of your column--you make it so obvious how passionate you are about theater and theater actors without ever crossing that fine line into what I call message board stalkerazzi mentality. I'm writing because I wanted to see how you felt about Cynthia Nixon's "coming out" in the major New York dailies this week. (Is this really front page news in 2004?) Were you surprised? Was I the only person who felt that Nixon's "real persona" was clearly and deliberately written into her character of Miranda on Sex and the City? Didn't all fans of the show secretly realize the all too palpable subtext that Miranda was in love with “best friend” Carrie all along? But I digress. Keep ‘em coming.
----Alex Dileo
----Los Angeles, California
Dear Alex:
I actually spend very little time obsessing over the sexual preferences of my favorite stars of the stage, so I guess I always just assumed that Nixon was one of those gay-friendly straight theater chicks. But yes, I did have my suspicions about Miranda! Remember the episode back in season one when she brought a lesbian date to her boss' dinner party because she thought it would further her law career? It was one of the best episodes, period! But seriously, keep in mind that Nixon didn't actually come out of the closet. Following-up on gossip that Nixon has a girlfriend, the New York Daily News asked her point blank, at which time she unflinchingly said that her private life was private, but that she had nothing to hide. She then added that she was “very happy.” If I considered her one of my favorite actresses before (and I did), then now I'm just over the moon about her. By confronting the question privately yet frankly, she not only made the question and the questioner both seen stupid. And the fact that this “news” made the front page of every newspaper in 2004 is, as you said, sort of hilarious. Now can we move onto important issues like getting Nixon back on the Broadway stage ASAP?
Dear Paul:
Have you heard any word as to whether Dracula well be recorded or not? Usually, Wildhorn's CDs are more popular than the actual shows. I couldn't help but notice that nothing has been mentioned. Any help?
----Bill Klug
----Dallas, Texas
Dear Bill:
I think it's pretty safe to assume that the company of Dracula will make their way into the recording studio, despite the critical reception to the show. However, there is nothing solid to report at this time.
Dear Paul:
Thank you for including Jennifer Hudson in Stage Notes this week. I'm a big fan of hers as well. Please keep us posted on how her Broadway dream plays out.
----Nathaniel Hargress
----West Bloomfield, MI
Dear Nathaniel:
Thanks for your note. I mentioned the outpouring of support from Broadway fans to Hudson at the after-party for Hair on Monday and she asked me to send her best to everyone. It will be interesting to see how Jennifer's dreams play out. I'm thrilled to say that I was just a few feet away when Hudson met Dreamgirls composer Henry Krieger, who complimented the gracious diva on her vocal prowess. Will we get to see her play her dream role of Effie? Or is there something even better out there? I will definitely let all of you know as soon as I do!
Dear Paul:
In response to James Dee's letter in last week's column, I just want to say that I would also love to see Shoshana Bean as Elphaba! I went to Idyllwild Arts Summer Program the past six years, and for two out of those six, Shoshana's mom Felice was the choreographer for our original musical comedy productions The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio and About Tiller McGee (hehe...good times...)! Felice is an awesome dancer/choreographer, and she wore her Hairspray t-shirt with pride! I guess talent runs in their family!
----Charlotte Ostrow
----La Jolla, California
Dear Charlotte:
Wow! I had no idea that Bean's mom was a hoofer! Thanks for sharing. Oh, by the way, I chatted with Shoshana at the Hair party (after seeing her belt out “I Believe In Love” with Mariah flair) and she informed me that she's definitely on in the show from October 18-24 during Menzel's vacation week. I can't wait!
That's it for now. Talk to you next week. Please e-mail me any of your questions, comments or critiques!
Paul Wontorek
Editor-in-Chief
For an archive of old Stage Note columns, click here.