Altar Boyz & Barefoot in the Park Review

[ShuQ]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 12:53am

I'm in New York City as we speak! So far, I've seen Altar Boyz & Barefoot in the Park, and I'm seeing more for the rest of the week. Here's a review so far:

Altar Boyz-- Monday @ 8pm

Matthew- Caleb something...His name still wasn't in the Playbill.
Mark- Tyler Maynard
Luke- Andrew C. Call
Juan- Clyde Alves
Abraham- Dennis Moench

Overall, I thought the show was hilarious. Being a huge Avenue Q fan, I can see why the creators of AQ are plugging AB, because they are a lot alike. The vibe I got from both shows is very similar, it was non-stop humor.

I only felt like one of the Boyz was incredibly strong: Tyler Maynard. Everything he does is completely on. His voice is unreal and his commitment to the part is stellar. You could tell he'd been doing it for a long time, in a good way...you didn't want to stop watching him.

Dennis Moench as Abraham was another one that was fun to watch. He seemed to have a good grasp on the character & I liked everything he did. His standout moment was definitely Finale: I Believe. His acting and his singing chops really helped him pull that number off.

Clyde Alves was good enough for what the role calls for. I'm not sure whether or not he is Latin American, but he didn't have me convinced. I felt like everything he did was exactly the same. I know that these roles call for good actors playing members of the boyband that are actually bad actors, but he only seemed like a bad actor. I did, however, find him hilarious in "La Vida Eternal." Silly numbers like that don't usually do much for me but I couldn't stop laughing.

The guy playing Matthew was named Caleb, I believe. He was apparently the replacement for James Royce Edwards as Matthew. Perhaps it's the role itself, but he didn't have very much to offer for the part. Matthew should carry the ensemble and carry the band, in which he was laching. Nothing about him was outstanding.

Andrew C. Call was a bit out of place. I realize that the role is supposed to be an actor playing an idiot. I, unfortunately, felt like I was watching an idiot play an idiot, too bad.

Overall, however, I felt like the show carried itself. Regardless of what may have been lacking in the cast, people like Tyler Maynard were able to hold it together. My time spent was very well worth it and it was a hilarious show. I'm glad I got a chance to see it.


Barefoot in the Park-- Tuesday @ 8pm

Corrie Bratter-- Amanda Peet
Telephone Repairmen-- Adam Sietz
Deliveryman-- Sullivan Walker
Paul Bratter-- Patrick Wilson
Corie's Mother, Mrs. Banks-- Jill Clayburgh
Victor Velasco-- Tony Roberts

The show got off to a great start. I've never seen anyone as stunningly beautiful on stage as Amanda Peet. Too bad, however, that she couldn't stop yelling. I honestly just felt bad for the girl. I felt like she had a lot to offer, but I was losing the intent of what she wanted because she was talking so loud. Her vocal quality was too forced. Act II, however, she lightened it up, I think. Perhaps I just got used to her by then, but I felt like she had a better grasp and could provide a better variety with her character by the second act.

Jill Clayburgh and Tony Roberts were such fun to watch. It was obvious that they were seasoned professionals, but their performances were still fresh and enlightening. The delivery of their lines was great, laughed every time.

Patrick Wilson is stunning. Every moment was priceless, I could tell how much it meant to him to be up on that stage. His chemistry with Amanda Peet carried the show well...but then again, who wouldn't have great chemistry with her? or him? What a great performer, everything he does is perfect. He seemed shocked when I told him I considered him an inspiration at the stagedoor, and even more shocked when I mentioned Bright Lights, Big City. We had a nice chat...perfect way to sum up the evening.

More to come very soon!

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 1:01am

I really like Altar Boyz. It's a fun show.

Tyler Maynard is a force to behold. Everything he does is magnificent. It's true that it's tough to keep your eyes off him. He commands the audience's attention. I really hope he has a wonderful career past Altar Boyz, cause his talent knows no bounds.

Dennis Moench is also a fantastic actor. He has impeccable comedic timing, and a gorgeous singing voice.

Clyde Alves is not Latin. It's difficult for me to be objective, because, as a Latina, I ALWAYS notice when white people unsuccessfully try to pass off as Latin. But overall I think he gives a solid performance, even if his accent is a bit off at times.

And I like Andrew Call. I thought he was hilarious.

[Sings_in_the_Rain2]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 2:19am

I love Altar Boyz-- I cannot get enough of it! I'm glad you enjoyed the show :) The current Matthew is named Corey-- he played the role on tour, and is playing it in New York for 2 weeks before the new Matthew comes in. I haven't seen Corey (and won't be able to because of his limited run), but I've seen the rest of the current cast and think they are wonderful. I disagree that Andrew was out of place, though-- I really enjoyed his performance and thought he did a great job with Body Mind & Soul.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 3/22/06 at 2:27am

I hated "Altay Boyz"...it is a concert, not a show, it has no plot. Horrible!
On the other hand "Barefoot" is a witty play.

[beacon1]

Posted: 3/23/06 at 12:40pm

Thanks for the positive words about "Barefoot". I can't wait to see Patrick Wilson perform in person in little over a week!