Photo by Tom Lavine/Courtesy of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre
Altar Boyz from left: Dolan Wolfe-Callanta, Daniel Pancarte, Damian Shembel, Jonahan Hoover and Josh Byle.

Oregon Cabaret Theatre’s current production, "Altar Boyz" delights audiences with its spirited (literally) wit.

I came with high expectations. After viewing the Christmas shows for the past several years, I was eager to see what else the theatre had to offer.

The plot goes something like this: The "Altar Boyz," a comical Catholic boy band, wants nothing more than to croon to the glory of God. Besides donning long white robs or preparing for mass, the boys are performing for their "Raise the Praise" tour. More than 220 thousand souls have been saved with the help of the "Soul Sensor DX12," a highly scientific device that measures the metaphysical temperature of the room.

The Oregon Cabaret Theatre audiences are notoriously sinful. A large flat-screen TV hung from the ceiling serves as a constant reminder for those souls in jeopardy. Never fear, the Altar Boyz will "alter your mind," and miraculously perfect the morality of every audience member.

Meet the eclectic and eccentric members of the Altar Boyz. Matthew is the dreamboat singer and leader of the band. Mark has impeccable style (and a potential crush on Matthew). He choreographs all the group’s celestial moves. Luke has a shady past but is working hard to clean up his act. A punk decked out in purple-lined shorts, Luke’s job is to drive the bus. Juan has dashing Latin looks and a fashion sense to match. He’s on a desperate search for his long lost parents. Last is Abraham, the "Neil Diamond in the rough" lyric extraordinaire of the group. He’s Jewish.

The musical performance was beyond hilarious. Those familiar with past Cabaret will be reminded of "Forever Plaid" or "Plaid Tidings." My personal favorite belted a chorus line that went something like this: "Baby, you make me want to wait." Essentially, the song is about Matthew’s battle with lust and his dedication to matrimonial sex. Lucky me, I was chosen as Matthew’s girlfriend. Not only was I serenaded by the entirety of the Altar Boyz on stage, but I have a group snapshot with their signatures to prove it.

Cabaret performances almost always include audience participation. Keep an open mind and have some fun with it. It’s certainly an experience.

Oregon Cabaret is often touted as a premier dinner theatre and rightfully so. I left the theatre feeling a good 10-pounds heavier than when I walked in. Take a risk and make dinner reservations. At the very least, order a slice of Dick Hay pie. It’s served at intermission and worth the $6 investment. A thick slice of vanilla ice cream divided by a smooth peanut butter filling and crumbly Oreo crust, the entire monstrosity is drizzled in chocolate sauce. Disappointment is simply impossible.

I left thoroughly satisfied. With my notepad and Altar Boyz photograph in hand, I was thoroughly amused. Cabaret never ceases to offer a full night of delicious food and quality theatre.

Tickets range in price from $21 to $31, depending on the day of the week. The show runs until June 1 on Thursday through Monday evenings with Sunday matinees.

The Oregon Cabaret Theatre is located on the corner of First and Hargadine in Ashland, Ore. For more information, call 488-2902 or check out their Web site at www.oregoncabaret.com.