Stage West’s musical revue’s have become a popular staple over the years. Exploring different genres like British Invasion, the California Sound, Motown, Movie Themes, One Hit Wonders, and more it’s always been a fun, high energy show. As a mega fan of Boy bands and having seen many concerts from bands like The Backstreet Boys, Nsync, 98 Degrees and New Kids on the Block, I was over the moon when Stage West announced Step by Step: The Evolution of the Greatest Boy Bands which plays until February 4^th.

The key element to a boy band concert is the brotherhood of the guys, and the fact that they seem to be genuinely having fun on stage. In that regard, the 12 men that take the stage embody that spirit, it is obvious how much they enjoy doing the songs and recreating some iconic acts on stage. The staging has been enhanced for this show with large screens showing clips of the bands and adding a new level to the visual aspect of the show.

The two acts of the show are split generationally. Act 1 features The Beatles, The Monkees, The Four Seasons, and the Beach Boys. While modern boy bands tend to not play instruments on stage, the influence on these bands on the future of the concept is valid. The cast is entirely Caucasian, so for obvious reasons trailblazers like The Jackson 5 and Boyz II Men aren’t included. Highlights include 6 Beatles songs, an impressive Four Seasons set (Hitting Frankie Valli’s high notes is no easy task), and a Beach Boys Medley complete with surfboards and eye candy.

Act 2 kicks off with a fun back and forth representing the 90’s rivalry of Nsync and The Backstreet Boys. Songs like Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) and Bye Bye Bye include the iconic choreography I wish there had been a few more numbers like this that showed the performers dance skills, it was my favourite part of the show. Named after the New Kids on the Block song, the boyband that has remained a top touring act today is represented with three songs. Creator’s Howard Pechet and Liz Gilroy play a little loose with the boy band concept by including Duran Duran, Coldplay and Maroon 5. Outside of hardcore fans, people would be hard pressed to name a band member aside from the frontman. The Maroon 5 segment is fun however, with different versions of Adam Levine taking different songs. 98 Degrees, Take That and Hanson are all represented in single songs, and the show goes to the last decade with Jonas Brothers and One Direction sets.

Despite some of the head scratching artist choices, Step by Step is FUN. The audience is left wanting more, which has been the case when these bands are on tour. The show received a standing ovation on the night I attended, and it was well deserved. If you love what made so many of these bands successful – the harmonies, the choreography, the energy, and the charisma – then you owe it to yourself to check out the show.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Stagewest | Theatre |