Skip to content

Raise the Praise: Alter Boyz take stage at the Imperial Theatre

Marco Vigliotti Local theatre company Diversion Entertainment is bringing a "divinely" inspired musical-comedy about a fictitious Christian boy-band to Sarnia next month.
AlterBoyz
Members of the Alter Boyz, from left, Devan Wales [playing Mark], Brent Wilkinson [playing Abraham], Shawn Chapman [playing Matthew], Cian Poore [playing Luke] and Adam Hobbs [playing Juan]. Submitted Photo

Marco Vigliotti

Local theatre company Diversion Entertainment is bringing a "divinely" inspired musical-comedy about a fictitious Christian boy-band to Sarnia next month.

Altar Boyz tells the story of the titular music group as they perform on the last night of a national 'Raise the Praise' tour. But, as the show progresses, the group begins to question their loyalty to each other and ask whether or not faith is really holding them together.

"There is truly something for everyone in this show," director John Leverre said. "It is incredibly funny, heart-warming, full of high energy dancing (and) beautiful and upbeat songs."

Actors Shawn Chapman, Devan Wales, Cian Poore, Adam Hobbs and Brent Wilkinson perform as the five heartthrobs from Ohio comprising the fictional supergroup.

Leverre touts the cast as "a collection of the best male talents this town has to offer," adding all five actors have been the lead in a major production this year.

While the show does boast a sharp satirical edge, its core message is one of unity and harmony, Leverre said.

At the conclusion of the show, he said, the Altar Boyz "finally deliver a message of unity, that 'there is no star as bright as its constellation, no harmony in a single voice."

Leverre notes the production manages to both "poke fun at and celebrate faith," but at its core, it’s really all "about 5 guys who use their musical gifts to bring people together."

He also promises that the show's tight harmonies and choreography will delight audiences, with signature hits from the production including 'Rhythm In Me,' 'The Calling,' and 'I Believe.'

Diversion is fresh from its critically acclaimed production of "Next to Normal" in August, which Leverre said left audiences buzzing.

IF YOU GO:

WHO: Diversion Entertainment

WHEN: Nov. 7, 8, 9, at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Imperial Theatre

OTHER: Tickets $20, Imperial Theatre Box Office, 519-344-SHOW, or online at www.imperialtheatre.net


Join the Community: Receive Our Daily News Email for Free