Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos by Bryan Clifford
(from left) Patrick Sullivan, Nic Folson, Eric Rodman, Adam Wager, Clayton Hargrave, Matt Cason
The Naked Truth
Based on the popular 1997 British comedy film of the same name, “The Full Monty” is being presented to sold-out audiences in all its raunchy, fun-loving glory by Avon Players, now in its 76th season. The award-winning musical adaptation by noted American playwright Terence McNally, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek, ran for almost two years on Broadway starting in 2000, and is now seen almost everywhere. The story’s premise is a little skimpy (pun intended) and highly implausible. But maybe that’s why it’s so much fun to watch. The original movie was set in the steel mill town of Sheffield, England. In the local slang, “The Full Monty” means “the whole lot”…full nudity.
The musical’s new, Americanized setting is Buffalo NY, where a steel mill is laying everyone off, including best friends Jerry and Dave, due to hard times. If this wasn’t bad enough, as luck would have it the Chippendale Dancers are performing in their town. When they see how much the local women love the Chippendales (including Dave’s wife and Jerry’s ex), and how much money these guys make just stripping down to their G-strings, they get the idea to form their own striptease act with four other out-of-work men. They even consult with one of the Chippendales, a hunky guy named Keno, played by the amazing Matt Druminski. (Warning: He opens the show with a bang, by stripping down to his bare…well, let’s leave something to the imagination.) Jerry and Dave need to beat the Chippendales at their own game, so their act (called Hot Metal), will come with a daring, naughty twist. They will bare all – The Full Monty. What could possibly go wrong? These are just ordinary guys, after all. Some of them start to lose their nerve, especially when they confront their own “shortcomings”. The real fun starts as they recruit, then train and finally rehearse their act, with hysterical results.
Eric Rodman, Robby Carrigan
The ten-piece orchestra, led by Ron Pietrantoni, plays some splendid jazz, rock, and lovely ballads to accompany the enjoyable cast. Leading the way is Eric Rodman, who really shines as Jerry, especially with his vocal in the touching “Breeze off the River”. His ex-wife Pam (Lia DiFonzo) is breaking his heart over his desire to see his 12-year-old son, Nathan (Robby Carrigan). Clay Hargrave as Jerry’s best bud Dave offers another sympathetic character. He’s incredibly unsure of himself and his relationship with his wife, the vivacious Georgie, played with energetic charm by Emily Brown. She and her girlfriends relish their new-found independence in the number “It’s a Woman’s World” (with Caroline Dargay, Joy Oetjens and Pamela Plewa). While the whole cast is great, standouts include Nic Folson as Horse, with his excellent voice and dance moves in “Big Black Man”; Adam Wager as the goofy Ethan; nimble-footed Patrick Sullivan as Malcolm; and the tall and gorgeous Caroline Dargay as Estelle/Ensemble. Plus a special shout-out to the dynamic Lori Smith as Vicki. She shows real star power whenever she’s onstage, especially in the jazzy bossa nova number “Life With Harold”.
Lori Smith, Matt Cason
Some of the vocals can be somewhat uneven, and the story, for the most part, resembles a typical sitcom. But it displays unexpected depth in a number of ways, addressing the issues of suicide, depression, and same-sex attraction. It also turns traditional gender roles upside-down. We see female empowerment: ladies can earn their own living, be independent, and can see men as sex objects, too. We see male vulnerability: needing the approval of their mates, disappointment in their own bodies, and feeling despair at the loss of their traditional role as providers. But at the end of the day, it proves one thing – that even ordinary guys can be sexy.
Director John “JD” Deierlein handles the comedy, musical numbers, and the more sensitive moments with flair, but his strategic lighting at the end of the show really shows his skill – and timing. A fraction of a second too late, and we really would see “The Full Monty”. It’s lots of laughs, lots of fun, and really worth seeing – especially for Ladies Night Out.
Joy Oetjens, Caroline Dargay, Eric Rodman
Note: Due to frequent flashes of male nudity, this show is recommended for mature audiences
Now through September 30, 2023
Tickets $26.50 at box office, $3.50 fee online, $2.00 fee for phone order
Avon Playhouse
1185 Washington Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48306
(248) 608-9077
www.avonplayers.org
