Zach Hanna Joins Altar Boyz as Mark, June 5

Ken Davenport and Robyn Goodman, in association with Walt Grossman, Ruth Hendel, Sharon Karmazin, Matt Murphy and Mark Shacket, have announced that Altar Boyz, the acclaimed musical comedy at New World Stages, will welcome Zach Hanna as Mark on Monday, June 5th.

Tyler Maynard, who created the role that garnered him Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award nominations as Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, is leaving to join the cast of Mary Poppins.

Hanna created the role of Mark in the Detroit and Des Moines companies of Altar Boyz. He also starred in the national tour of Barry Manilow's Copacabana as Tony/Stephen. Favorite credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas), Convenience (Ethan/Young Vince), Baby (Danny), Tommy (Tommy), and others. TV credits include "As the World Turns" and "Third Watch." Originally from Napoleon, Ohio, he is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory.

Altar Boyz, the acclaimed musical comedy at New World Stages, winner of the coveted Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical Off-Broadway, is the third longest running musical off-Broadway musical currently on the boards (following behind I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and Forbidden Broadway). The show recently celebrated its first anniversary.

"Full of sharp parody, sinfully spectacular dancing, and irreverent humor, this spoof about a heavenly guy-group is adored by audiences and critics alike...an extraordinary mix of side-splitting songs 'convincing enough to be played on MTV,' uncontrollable laughs and lighthearted fun," state press notes. Altar Boyz opened April 12th at ChungMu Art Hall, Seoul, Korea; a national tour kicks off in Chicago in October.

Altar Boyz also features Jason Celaya, Ryan Duncan, Andrew C. Call, and Dennis Moench, and is directed by Stafford Arima and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, with music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker with book by Kevin Del Aguila, based on a concept by Marc Kessler and Ken Davenport.

Performances are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm & 7pm, at New World Stages, formerly Dodger Stages, (340 West 50th Street, just west of Eighth Avenue). Tickets are $25 to $75. ($1 Restoration charge included). Tickets may be ordered online at www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212/239-6200. For more information, visit www.altarboyz.com or the fan site www.altarholics.com.