Erlanger and Dixie Heights homeboy Joshua Potter is dancing and singing up a storm these weeks, as one of the “Altar Boyz” at Playhouse in the Park.

He’s listed as “Shua Potter” in the program and I had to ask – “SHOO-ah?”

 

“Shwaah,” I was corrected. He and the nickname connected many years ago aboard Showboat Majestic.

Potter plays Mark, the well-coiffed member of the Boyz. He’d never seen the show when he went to a “Jersey Boys” audition one afternoon and across the hall there was a sign for the “Altar Boyz” open auditions. Which had ended that morning. Potter asked if he could be seen during call-backs and, miracle of miracles, he was. And then got his own call-back.

 

He has no trouble plugging into his character, who he (and director Stafford Arima) defines as “a bowl of sunshine.”

 

“It’s pretty easy, actually. I’m a happy guy, he’s a happy guy. The show’s true message is brotherhood. My goal is to always remain honest and spread the joy and love. I have a genuine smile on my face onstage.”

The whole Potter family is coming to the show and he’s already brought his altar pals to the family restaurant, the Stringtown Bar & Grill in Florence.

For “Altar Boyz” reservations and information check elsewhere at CinStages.