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‘The Full Monty’ opens in Oak Ridge July 10
Judy DiGregorio, Special to farragutpress - Thu, Jul, 2, 2009
A grin and bare-it-all musical comedy, “The Full Monty,” which opens at 8 p.m., Friday, July 10, at the Oak Ridge Playhouse, tells the story of six out-of-work steel workers desperate to make enough money to keep their heads above water.
After observing how enthusiastic women are for a touring Chippendales-like show, they decide to do a one-night only strip act at a local club and promise to go “the Full Monty.” The show skillfully combines music, humor, and drama to illustrate the emotional and financial toll of unemployment as the men are forced to confront their insecurities and anxieties while learning to bump and grind like real strippers. The results are, at times, both catastrophic and comic.
Based on the 1997 British comedy that was nominated for four Academy Awards, including best picture, and won the BAFTA Award for Best Film, the musicalized stage version by Terrence McNally, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek, is faithful to the original screenplay with only a few changes of characters names and a locale change from the United Kingdom to Buffalo, N.Y.
This Americanized stage version opened in 2000 at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego before moving to the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York City. The Broadway production ran for 770 performances and garnered numerous Tony nominations including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Actor, Best Direction, Best Orchestra-tions, Best Choreography, Best Featured Actress and Best Featured Actor.
The Playhouse production, directed by Managing Artistic Director Reggie Law with musical direction by David Eilart, features a tight cast of new and returning performers led by the six steelworkers: Evan Broadhead as Jerry Lukowski, Zach England as Dave Bukatinksi, Steve Fitchpatrick as Harold Nichols, Wesley Kennedy as Ethan Girard, Tony Mendez as Malcolm McGregor, and Tony Williams as Noah T. “Horse” Simmons.
The cast also includes Kimberly Watkins, Denia Kirk, Kathy Tallent, Michelle Fratus, Reeva Abraham, Steve Belding, Jerry Cunningham, Amy Dale, Andy Howe, Theresa Jones, Bonnie Lotesto, Kelly Marie, Liam Schramm, Craig Smith, Kathy Tallent and David Zannucci.
The kick off of the 2009-2010 Season, “The Full Monty” is a refreshing, heartwarming show, with a hip rock and roll feel.
Opening night, Friday, July 10, at 8 p.m., will feature a Champagne Reception following the performance where you can mix and mingle with the cast and crew. A complimentary glass of champagne and heavy hors d’oeuvres are included in the $5 reception pass. You may purchase your reception pass with your ticket order.
In addition to the opening night show, there is a performance at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 11. Performances continue the following week at 8 p.m., Thursday, July 16, Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. with a 2 p.m., Sunday matinee, July 19. Final performances are at 8 p.m., Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, and at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 26.
Tickets range in range in price from $15 to $20 depending on performance date. For tickets and more information, log on to www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.
Due to some language and the nature of the show, it is recommended for mature teens and up.
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