‘Altar Boyz’ at Gésu June's Hottest Ticket in Town!

As published in French in Fugues (pg. 114) June 2008.
arts on aime le theater

Par Davyn Ryall

Du 12 au 21 JUIN
Les z'enfants d'choeur
‘Altar Boyz’ à Gésu.
 
Director Stephen Pietrantoni (S.P.) first heard of ‘Altar Boyz’ when it opened in New York at the Musical Theatre Festival in 2004. As an undergraduate with a double major in religion and theatre he was immediately drawn to the Play because of it’s themes and it’s message…

“As soon as I left the theatre the first time I saw it off-Broadway in 2005, I knew I wanted to bring it to Montreal.  Its message of faith, tolerance and mutual support relates so well to the challenges we face together everyday in our city.” One of the greatest challenges for the director was casting this local production. “It is difficult enough to cast a musical in Montreal… there are so few ‘triple threats’ actors, singers, dancers… add to that it required an ensemble of five (5) males and the Play is performed in two languages.” S.P.

Not since ‘Les Misérables’ has a local company produced a musical with a single bilingual cast performing both the French and English versions. By producing the Play in both versions S.P. hopes to bridge cultural gaps and create more occasions for both the French and English communities to share cultural activities. “Musicals, because of the universal language of music, can give us a common point of reference so we can share in the experience together.” S.P.

The songs in Les z'enfants d'choeur are happy and infectious pop tunes.  The story is a joyous exhilarating ‘joy ride’ with a lot of heart and sole. The Play's message about faith, tolerance and mutual understanding is one that everyone can fully appreciate regardless of their specific religious persuasions. C’est comedie musicale hilarante raconte l’histoire d’un ‘boys-band’ cretienne fictif à la fin de sa tournée “Gloire à Dieu et aux Cieux”. Ils chantent, ils dansent et ils feront tout pour vous faire chavirer le coeur. Venez vous éclater avec Mathieu, Marc, Luc, Juan et Abraham. Joindre les z'autres gars pour la premiere production Canadienne de Les z'enfants d'choeur, presentée aussi pour la premiere fois en francais!

French version co-translated by Claire Armange and Stephen Pietrantoni; Musical director Chris Barillaro;  Choreography Robin Henderson;  Stage design Jeremy Pinchuk; Props Pierre Martin; Costumes courtesy of Evidence Clothing, and footwear courtesy of Adidas.

Produced by The Centre for Education and Theatre in Montreal (C.E.T.M.) which provides
direct administrative support services to independent theatre companies in Montreal.

CETM creates events to provide more opportunities of visibility for local performers to be seen and highlight their talent: ‘Le Spotlight’ mercredi le 21 mai à 20h à Gésu (www.lespotlight.ca)
an event that is both fun and educational. The Festival of Next Wave of Musicals, mid-August.

“We'd like to make Montreal an incubator for new musicals, which can help put our city on the world cultural map in a meaningful way.” S.P.

Altar Boyz à Théâtre Gésu 1200 Bleury, Montréal. En francais le 12, 14, et 20 juin à 20h, et le 21 juin à 14h; En anglais: le 13, 19, et 21 juin à 20h, et le 14 juin  à 14h. Sieges assigné. Réservation au 514-861-4036 ou gesu.net/billetterie.htm. Prix $40. Plus $1.50 frais de services.