Ever wonder what happens to pop-rock musicians after they hang up their guitars? They have kids, pay off mortgages and loose the six-packs.
On the other hand, the Middle Aged Boy Band refuses to go quietly into the night. Dubbed the “Greatest Boy Band That Never Was,” this threesome plans a comeback tour that promises to spin out of control.
The one-time boy band, cover band have decided to cash in their RRSPs and make one final boy band tour. It’s a last gasp at making their dream come true. But can they hit those high notes or slow down receding hair lines?
St. Albert theatre-goers decide for themselves as Vancouver’s The Comedy Department, currently on tour across Alberta, rolls out the musical comedy parody at the Arden Theatre on Friday, Feb. 21.
Based in Vancouver, the Comedy Department is a group of about a dozen award-winning comedy professionals and improvisers. Denise Jones and David Milchard, the Comedy Department co-founders and business partners, have teamed up with Hallmark movie actor Michael Teigen to relive the bubble gum pop era of New Kids on the Block and NSYNC, but with simpler dance moves and more laughs.
“When we did our first show, we were surprised it sold out so fast. It was as if people got to relive their past in simpler times when all you had was a New Kids on the Block poster on your bedroom wall,” said Jones.
She describes the concert as both a “send-up of boy bands” as well as “a serenade to audiences.”
“These guys want a record deal. This is the beginning for them. Although they’re not in the same shape as they used to be, this is not about self-deprecation. It’s a celebration of what we want to do. The fear of cringe stops so many people from doing what they want to do.”
Raised in Saskatchewan, Jones received a drama degree from the University of Saskatchewan and honed her improv chops with Saskatoon Soaps in the late 1990s. As artistic director of Vancouver Theatre Sports, she has created a variety of hit shows. And as a TV actor, she has performed in various Air Bud franchise movies including Superbuddies, Pup Academy and Russell Madness.
“Still today I love to make people laugh and having that shared experience is incredible. I go into a theatre, I get an idea from the audience, and I create something in the moment. It will never be done again in the same way. It feels so connected. In a world where we can’t believe in anything anymore, feeling an authentic connection with the audience is so special.”
Milchard is a man of many trades: award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, comedian and improviser. He has loaned his talents to the Comic Strippers, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, The Flash, Robert Redford’s The Company You Keep and Tim Burton’s Big Eyes.
Teigan, who rounds out the band trio, has more than 100 film and television credits, in addition to a 20-year history of performing unscripted live theatre.
“It’s going to be a great night of music and comedy and a look back at time. But mostly, it’s a night of laughs. There’s not enough silly in the world today, and this is 100 per cent silly.”
Middle Aged Boy Band is Friday, Feb. 21 at the Arden Theatre. It runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Regular admission price is $50.40. Door price $58.80. Visit tickets.stalbert.ca or call 780-459-1542.
