ALTAR BOYZ to Kick-Off Olathe Civic Theatre Association's 2016-2017 Season

Rejoice! Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA) opens its 2016-2017 season this Friday, August 26, 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."

Additionally, OCTA is thrilled to announce that local television personality Joel Nichols of KSHB Channel 41's Kansas City Live has joined the show as the Voice of G.O.D. Joel's voice will be heard before the show during preshow announcements and during the 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.

**PLEASE NOTE: This production includes fog, flashing lights, water effects, and loud music.**

About Olathe Civic Theatre Association
Olathe Civic Theatre Association is a 501c3 organization producing theatre in Olathe since 1974. Performing in the Buddy Rogers Family Playhouse, OCTA produces five high-quality, engaging, and thought-provoking theatre productions a year. Through the generosity of volunteers, season ticket holders, donors, and the City of Olathe, OCTA has grown into one of the most progressive community theaters in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

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