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| Declan Skaggs, Evan Kaushesh, Jack Yampolsky, Hayden Skaggs, and Jeremy Yampolsky Photo by Jen Wilbur |
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)
Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 3
"...Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre's production of Altar Boyz features five talented young male performers, including two sets of brothers...They are all excellent as the five members of a Christian boy band in this funny and touching musical comedy and, with sure-footed direction and knock-out choreography, Desert Stages' production is a hilarious and heartwarming crowd pleaser.... As Matthew, the heartthrob leader of the group, Jeremy Yampolsky exhibits perfect leadership qualities and a warm and sunny disposition. ...I don't want to give too much away about the character of Mark but Declan Skaggs is giving an excellent performance, probably the best I've seen, of this young man who has a deep fondness for and a close relationship with Matthew. With perfect comic delivery and facial expressions that get big laughs, Jack Yampolsky is hilarious as Abraham, the group's sole Jewish member. Hayden Skaggs is Luke, the bad boy who isn't the smartest kid and has suffered from a few bouts of what he calls "exhaustion," and Evan Kaushesh is lovable as Juan, a Latino member of the group. ...Lisa Figueroa's direction perfectly plays up the humor in the piece without losing site of the big heart at its center. ...Nick Flores' superb and extremely varied choreography is danced exceptionally well by the entire cast. It plays off of traditional boy band group steps and moves, while making fun of and also honoring the familiar dance steps. The music direction from Jay Melberg delivers gorgeous harmonies along with many sweet-sounding solo numbers..." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
Click here for more information on this production that runs through July 3
"...Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre's production of Altar Boyz features five talented young male performers, including two sets of brothers...They are all excellent as the five members of a Christian boy band in this funny and touching musical comedy and, with sure-footed direction and knock-out choreography, Desert Stages' production is a hilarious and heartwarming crowd pleaser.... As Matthew, the heartthrob leader of the group, Jeremy Yampolsky exhibits perfect leadership qualities and a warm and sunny disposition. ...I don't want to give too much away about the character of Mark but Declan Skaggs is giving an excellent performance, probably the best I've seen, of this young man who has a deep fondness for and a close relationship with Matthew. With perfect comic delivery and facial expressions that get big laughs, Jack Yampolsky is hilarious as Abraham, the group's sole Jewish member. Hayden Skaggs is Luke, the bad boy who isn't the smartest kid and has suffered from a few bouts of what he calls "exhaustion," and Evan Kaushesh is lovable as Juan, a Latino member of the group. ...Lisa Figueroa's direction perfectly plays up the humor in the piece without losing site of the big heart at its center. ...Nick Flores' superb and extremely varied choreography is danced exceptionally well by the entire cast. It plays off of traditional boy band group steps and moves, while making fun of and also honoring the familiar dance steps. The music direction from Jay Melberg delivers gorgeous harmonies along with many sweet-sounding solo numbers..." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
we must have watched a very different show. I have seen high school plays with better performers. The only saving grace was the enthusiasm that these boys have put into the play but to continue to lead these kids on to thinking that they are good singers is just cruel.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, yes. I can’t seem to understand why the show sold out every performance. The Abraham simply struggled at every aspect of the performance. Never seeing a performance that he’s in ever again.
DeleteI'm glad you could see how much fun we were having on stage! You're right, I'll take your advice and get some voice lessons so you can enjoy my next performance :)
ReplyDeleteTrue, the kid playing Luke didn’t even have his high voice back!
ReplyDelete