The Fully Monty’s theatre of ass runs until
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Theatre Junction Grand
Tuesday, October 2 - Saturday, October 20
More in: Theatre
In a town full of dramatic affairs trying to be strange or morose or offend for no reason, it is refreshing to find a theatrical night out that runs the full gamut a musical should and does not disappoint. Hurry down to The Grand for Ground Zero Theatre and Hit and Myth Productions’ latest venture, The Full Monty, for a night you will not soon forget. Looking for the enhanced experience? Sit in the front row, like this reviewer did, so you will not miss a beat!
By now the story is a familiar one, only this time it is set to song and staged in Buffalo, N.Y., not England. Unemployed steel workers searching for money, self-esteem, and companionship band together under the leadership of Jerry Lukowski, played by Carson Nattrass. Unsatisfied by the prospect of becoming Wal-Mart employees, the group gears up for a one-night cash grab as a male stripping ensemble that promises to go the “Full Monty.” The tale unfolds seamlessly with the use of simple yet effective backdrops — the audience is transported from bedrooms to bathrooms to union meetings without a second thought, which helps to maintain the superb energy permeating the show.
The strength of the musical lies in the fullness of its characters. As each new member of the aptly titled ensemble, Hot Metal, is introduced, the audience is given insight into what has brought him to this place and what struggles he must overcome to finally do the deed. Jerry, for example, needs a lot of money in a little time so that he can continue to spend time with his son, Nathan, played by the charming Christopher Lorincz.
Physical insecurities is the obvious theme that is woven throughout and is most poignantly demonstrated through Jerry’s best friend, Dave Bukatinsky, played by the phenomenally voiced Kieran Martin Murphy. As Dave wrestles with his weight problems, his faltering marriage to Georgie, played by the feisty yet less vocally strong Esther Purves-Smith, is highlighted as are the other failing or failed marriages. The issue of a man’s self-esteem is one that is talked of, most often, in a lighthearted manner, but is clearly what is driving all of these men to the point of the big reveal.
The joy of this musical is undoubtedly David Yazbek’s witty lyrics. Ranging from touching to hilarious, they beg to be heard, though sometimes that proved difficult over the riotous laughter. Be it a love song to an overly plump belly or a softer number about friendship and ways to commit suicide, the songs alone are worth the ticket price.
In short, a well-staged musical full of brave actors that is a must see this month. However, a side note must be included regarding the other aspect of the evening: the audience. Keeping in mind this is a participatory play and one might be inclined to clap or laugh or even hoot now and again, it has been a long time since I witnessed an audience such as this. Were excessive amounts of alcohol involved? I cannot say for sure, but I have never seen a room full of middle-aged and elderly women behaving in this fashion. The laughter and the catcalls were non-stop to the point that touching moments, and there were quite a few, were overshadowed by giggles. I am all for letting loose, but this was like stumbling upon an out-of-control stagette. Examples, you wonder? As two of the male characters are on the cusp of sharing a kiss in a quiet moment of the show, a woman behind me said, more loudly than necessary, “Oh look, I think they’re about to be gay!” and then proceeded to laugh hysterically. Another memorable moment occurred as the lights went up for intermission and a lady well into her 60s announced to her friends in an outside voice, “A big, black man? Been there, done that, ladies,” after seeing the character Horse perform a song of a similar title.
That being said, do not let the company put you off. You’ll be guaranteed a smile on your face from beginning to end, even if you are shaking your head while you exit the theatre.…
