As though being young and cute weren't enough, this wonderful group of five men also exhibit an amazing amount of talent and stage presence as they act, sing and dance.
It is quite impressive for anyone at all to perform satire, which must be exactly in the right line of fire, with as much precision and timing as the Altar Boyz do. The impressive and completely original choreography—created particularly for a compact space—was a joy and a reve possibilities that still exist when the right mixture of talent and dedication combines to present nothing less than the best.
I was invited to attend and photograph a preview teaser performance Jan. 29 in the lobby of the beautiful W Hotel, 644 N. Lake Shore, where three friends joined me in the intimate crowd. We were all were treated to healthful chocolate martinis and desserts while we watched the five guys play Mathew, Mark, Luke, Abraham and Juan, who decide to save the world by saving their adoring fans. Soon, we traveled to Drury Lane, 175 E. Chestnut, to revel in the entire staged performance of Altar Boyz, where we were all completely and totally entertained—which is usually the whole reason we go out in the first place.
Steve Starr is the author of Picture Perfect-Art Deco Photo Frames 1926-1946, published by Rizzoli International Publications. A photographer, writer, designer and artist, he is the owner of Steve Starr Studios.
Steve Starr's column and photography, STARRLIGHT, appears in various publications including the Windy City Times, IMAGE Chicago Magazine, Entertainment Magazine Online-EMOL.org/reporters/Starr, Extra!, Nightspots, Splendor, and the Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine. Visit www.SteveStarrStudios.com where you can enter The Starrlight Room and view a portion of his frame collection, read Starrlight stories and enjoy photos, letters, and autographs that he has received from his favorite luminaries. His book, STARRLIGHT-Glamorous Latin Movie Stars of Early Hollywood, will be published in 2008.
STARRLIGHT-Radiant Photography by Steve Starr is available for portraits and events. Phone 773-252-5171. E-mail Steve Starr at ssschicago@ameritech.net .
Photo of Steve Starr in Chicago, Sept. 2, 2006, by Patrick Hipskind
Photo of the Altar Boyz at the W Hotel, Jan. 29 by Steve Starr