Olathe Civic Theatre Association Kicks Off Season with ALTAR BOYZ

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.

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.

Receive daily updates by 'liking' OCTA's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olathecivictheatre and follow OCTA on Twitter at @OCTATheatre.

2016-2017 Season at a Glance | Olathe Civic Theatre Association

Altar Boyz
August 26 - September 11, 2016
Book by Kevin Del Aguila | Music and Lyrics by Gary Adler & Michael Patrick Walker
Directed by Guy Gardner

The beloved Off-Broadway musical comedy Altar Boyz tells the holy inspiring story of five small-town boys - Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham - trying to save the world one screaming fan at a time. Their pious pop act, including lyrics like "Girl You Make Me Wanna Wait" and "Jesus Called Me on My Cell Phone," worked wonders 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?

One Man, Two Guvnors
October 14 - 30, 2016
By Richard Bean | Directed by Rick Bumgardner

In this madcap comedy, the permanently ravenous fish-and-chip eating Francis Henshall finds himself working for both a gangster and a criminal in hiding, both of whom are linked in a web of schemes, extortions, and romantic associations. To prevent discovery, Francis must do everything he can to keep his two "guv'nors" apart.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 2 - 18, 2016
By Barbara Robinson | Directed by Lana Jensen

The beloved Young Adult book of the same name comes to life in this hilarious Christmas classic. A couple struggles to put on a church Christmas pageant but they are faced with casting the Herdman kids -probably the most inventively awful kids in history. The Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on for nonstop laughs.

Poor Relations
February 17 - March 5, 2017
By Robert Flaherty Hart | Directed by Tina Morrison

This original play by Kansas City native Robert Flaherty Hart takes place in suburban St. Louis, where decades-old secrets are uncovered as three adult siblings navigate their changing relationships and uncertain futures. When one of the three comes into a substantial fortune, will it soothe old wounds and lead to forgiveness or drive a permanent wedge into already shaky bonds?

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
April 21 - May 7, 2017
By Christopher Durang | Directed by Nino Casisi

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Adding to the ensemble are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and Nina, a lovely young aspiring actress.

For further information or tickets, please visit www.olathetheatre.org.

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