ALTAR BOYZ to Kick-Off Olathe Civic Theatre Association's 2016-17 Season

Rejoice! Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA) opens its 2016-2017 season with the beloved Off-Broadway musical comedy hit Altar Boyz, written by Kevin Del Aguila, with music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker, August 26 - September 11. Let OCTA take you back to a time when boy bands ruled the nation.

Watch as five small-town Boyz, Matthew (Scott Michael Salem), Mark (Gabe Lasley), Luke (Jeremy Walterman), Juan (Delano Mendoza), and Abraham (Zane Champie), sing their way to holy, holy fame and glory. Their pious pop act includes lyrics like "Girl You Make Me Wanna Wait" and "Jesus Called Me on My Cell Phone," which worked miracles 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?

Say "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" as OCTA is proud to welcome back Guy Gardner to the theatre, this time as both director and choreographer. "After I choreographed I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change [2012-2013 season] I knew that I wanted to utilize such a unique space for a show. I've done a lot of funny shows, but this is the funniest script I have read in a long time. I can't wait to hear the roars of laughter from the audience." So what can audiences expect? Gardner, known for his dynamic choreography, reveals that the show will entertain people from all walks of life with hilarity, dance, and "...amazing singing. The boys we have brought together are all amazing vocalists and I can't wait for everyone to hear their harmonies." He also praises what the show promises to deliver: "I want people to leave with a smile on their face, a resurgence of love for Boy Bands, and an appreciation for a tech heavy theatrical production."

Gardner brings his own "band" back together with the production team composed of James Levy (music director), Rebekah Grieb (stage manager), J. Patrick Inlow (lighting and media designer), Philip Kuzila (Sound Designer), and Fran Kapono-Kuzila (costumer) along with Dalton Homolka (assistant director) and KElsie Clark-Massey (accompanist). The show runs three weekends, August 26, 27, 28, and September 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 with Friday and Saturday night performances at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Find out more about Altar Boyz and purchase tickets at www.olathetheatre.org. Subscribers can make reservations by calling the theatre reservation hotline at 913-782-2990 or by writing to tickets@olathetheatre.org. The show is suitable for all ages.