The cast of The Full Monty
DETAILS
Theatre Junction Grand
Tuesday, October 2 - Saturday, October 20
More in: Theatre
Since 1997, when six less-than-Adonis-like Englishmen got their kit off, the words “the full Monty” have stood for going all the way. This definitely sounds like an attitude Calgary will be able to get behind when Ground Zero Theatre and Hit and Myth Productions bring the revealing, Tony-nominated, Broadway version of The Full Monty to The Grand this October.
The award-winning American playwright Terrance McNally has moved the steelworkers from Sheffield, England to Buffalo, New York. The location provides something of a fresh face for the story, but the problems the gents face are much the same. Unemployment, loneliness and insecurity, among other issues, all contribute to a lack of self-esteem that must be overcome by each individual for many reasons, not the least of which being doffing their duds. For those out there who lived under a rock as the millennium dawned, the tale follows these men as they realize the possibility of making a few bucks as an amateur male strip ensemble, if only they can shut out the nagging voices in their heads, as well as those of their significant others. Auditions, rehearsals and the final performance are not the least of their worries in this touching and hilarious story, perfect for anyone who likes to cheer for the underdog.
Not unlike the men’s ultimate performance, the play as a whole is focused on the entire group and its individual issues, creating full-bodied characters that are a pleasure to watch. Director Kevin McKendrick explains that each member of the team has his own fear to deal with, such as joblessness, loss of love in a spouse or physical timidity. It is this that makes the play human, as opposed to a spectacle. One thing, McKendrick notes, that varies significantly from the film version is the strength of the female characters in the play. Their relationships to these out-of-work men as they themselves head to paying jobs is explored more deeply, allowing for a slightly altered perspective.
Another challenge faced by McKendrick was the incredibly fast-paced script. To maintain the intensity of a musical while seamlessly moving from scene to scene is a task for any director, but he is confident that with the simple yet effective backdrops, and a little imagination, the audience will be able to follow the character-heavy story from the first cheer to the final hurrah.
Imagination, love and human interest stories aside, though, this is The Full Monty. And, oh yes, it will be going the full Monty. In spite of the fantastic reception of the film and the stage production’s enormous success in London and New York, McKendrick may have a right to be nervous about bringing the production to Calgary. “I’m nervous about every show I do,” he said, “which comes from a healthy respect for the audience.” That said, McKendrick also notes that nearly three-quarters of ticket buyers for theatre in Calgary are women, so he isn’t too worried about ticket sales.
Are they ready for it? After an intense rehearsal period and following on the heels of the incredibly successful Urinetown: The Musical, the cast and crew are ready to wow your pants off.
