By Erin Randolph erin@dmcityview.com

Abraham is definitely the outcast as a member of the Christian boy band Altar Boyz, because, well, he's Jewish, while the other members, naturally, are Christian.

"I think at times Abraham has his doubts about where he fits in among the group and in life," says Eric Schneider, the New York-based actor who plays Abraham in "Altar Boyz." "He's very caring and loving character, and I think that he just finds a lot of joy in what he does. Even though he's a little bit of an outsider, he's still passionate about what he does."

And what he does is sing and dance as part of the ultra-talented, five-member group Altar Boyz. The play, in conjunction with the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, will be staged at the Temple for Performing Arts Jan. 3 through Feb. 12. "Altar Boyz," a musical-comedy spoof about the Ohio-bred fictitious band on the last night of its "Raise the Praise" tour, has been running off-Broadway for about a year now.

As the Altar Boyz perform their signature hits with lyrics like "Girl, you make me wanna wait" and "Jesus called me on my cell phone," the Boyz question their faith in one another after secrets are revealed. And the ultra-talented heartthrobs include pretty-boy singer Matthew, sensitive Cher fan Mark, bad boy Luke, hot-blooded and girl-crazy Juan, and, of course, Abraham.

And though some audience members have been a bit confused by the fact that the Altar Boyz is a fictitious band and that "Altar Boyz" is merely a play, not really the last night on a national concert tour, Schneider says the bond the cast members have formed offstage has transferred over to their bond onstage. Though Schneider always thought he'd be acting and singing as a part of his profession, the 21-year-old never thought he'd get involved with a play that required so much dancing - let alone that he would be a member of a fictitious Christian boy band.

"When you're younger, who doesn't want to be in a boy band - for like, a day," Schneider says. "But this is pretty funny, and it's very tongue-in-cheek. The show is not like any other show that I've been a part of in so many different ways. I love doing the show, and I think I can speak for the other guys in the group when they say that they love doing the show. 'Altar Boyz' definitely has a special place in my heart."
And despite its religious-based subject matter, nobody should be put off by the non-secular focus.

"It's not blasphemous at all," Schneider says. "We poke fun lightly, but never do we put down any religion. If anything, I think this is an uplifting, religious show. In the end, the message really is about the love between the five guys and the brotherhood and the bond that these five guys have made with each other."

Stage notes

StageWest will hold auditions on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. for its production of "Birth" at the theater company's new rehearsal space in the Fitch Building, on the northwest corner of 15th and Walnut streets. There are roles available for seven women ages mid-20s to mid-40s. African-American and Hispanic women are encouraged to audition. Performances of "birth" will be Feb. 1-2, 7-9 and 14-16. Scripts are available by calling Deena Conley at 274-2536. In other StageWest news, a "Hot Treats, Cool Jazz" benefit for the theater company, in conjunction with its production of "Frozen," will be held on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the home of David and Barb Hurd. Cost is $50 per person. Reservations requested by Jan. 11. Call 309-0251 or visit www.stagewestiowa.com. CV

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