The Full Monty
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Collins, Burrell, Massey Jr., Snyder, Cooper, McMahon
Photo by Ken Jacques
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By Rob Stevens
Six unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, NY let it all hang out as they take it all off and go The Full Monty in this raucous musical comedy. The musical had its World Premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre in 2000, and it returns to the city of its birth as the inaugural production of San Diego Musical Theatre.
The original production moved to Broadway in October of that year and played a lengthy run, although it was undeservedly shut out of the Tony Awards the following June by the juggernaut known as The Producers. Seeing the musical again for the first time since the Globe’s premiere, the Tony voters got it wrong on several counts. David Yazbeck’s music and lyrics cover a wider spectrum and remain in the brain longer than Mel Brooks’ ditties. Playwright Terrence McNally did a masterful job of adapting the 1997 small-budgeted but crowd-pleasing Best Picture Oscar nominee from its British roots to America’s rust belt. His best writing appeared in his creation of a new character for the stage: Jeanette, an old show biz broad who accompanies the would-be strippers on the piano while offering words of encouragement. The role was memorably created by the late Kathleen Freeman, and San Diego veteran Priscilla Allen dishes the one-liners with easy aplomb.
Director Nick DeGruccio and choreographer Lee Martino filled the same slots in the well received Musical Theatre West production of this show in Long Beach earlier this year. They are on the top of their game here, working with a mixture of professional and local talent. DeGruccio’s direction paces the show perfectly, highlighting both the comic and touching moments. Martino’s choreography is very believable as these non-dancer mill workers try to get their hips to bump and grind. Musical director/conductor Don LeMaster and his 12-piece band deliver the goods from the pit.
Allan Snyder carries the show well as Jerry, an unemployed, divorced dad in arrears with child support. He has a lot of anger issues, but he does have a genuine affection for his son (Ari Lerner) and his best friend Dave (John Massey, Jr.) His determination drives the rag tag ensemble of talent he gathers together for a get-rich-quick-strip scheme. Massey is a lovable lunk as the roly poly Dave, ashamed of his body even though his devoted wife (Amy Biedel) loves every ounce of him. The nerdy Malcolm (Kevin McMahon) and the not-so-quick Ethan (David Cooper) unexpectedly find fulfillment in each other. Reggie Burrell as “Horse” and Andy Collins as Harold round out the sextet of strippers. The Full Monty is an enjoyable entertainment and an auspicious debut for a new musical company.
Full Monty, produced by Gary & Erin Lewis for San Diego Musical Theatre at the Stephen & Mary Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in San Diego. (858) 560-5740 or www.sdmt.org. Thur-Sat, 8; Sat-Sun, 2. $25-40 (Senior, Student, Military and group discounts) Closes May 13.
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