Review of the The Full Monty at Manatee Performing Arts Center

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What could be more fun than a musical about laid-off factory workers and their dysfunctional families finding a totally outrageous way to make ends (literally) meet?  Nothing.

Dewayne Barrett directed the 2000 musical gem “The Full Monty” at the spacious and comfortable Manatee Performing Arts Center.  He opened this production of this good-natured salute to the human spirit, and send-up of gender expectations and sexuality, to a well-earned standing ovation on April 21.

The story revolves around the men from a failing factory, their wives/lovers and kids who are forced to deal with no money, no jobs and an off-the-wall desire to get on stage and strip down the Full Monty and outdo the famous Chippendale Male strip shows.  It makes perfect sense for these guys to want to get naked for a ton of money.

The results are hilarious and eye-popping.

The pop-rock music–played flawlessly by the talented orchestra, which was conducted by Rick Bogner–was performed well by Keith Faris, David Walker, Peg Harvey and a very entertaining supporting cast including Patrick Higgins.

Becky Evans, the costume designer, was at her height with her red snap-on jock straps, which were well lit by Joseph Oshery on Donna Bukalters’s entertaining set.

The Full Monty, by Terrence McNally and David Yazbek, will be performed at the Manatee Performing Arts Center until May 7, 2017.  Call 941-748-5875 for all ticket information.

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THE FULL MONTY coming to Manatee Performing Arts Center
(APRIL 20 – MAY 7)

(BRADENTON, April 12th, 2017) Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty, a ten-time Tony Award nominee, is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show. The powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) cooks up an aggressive crowd-pleaser that both entertains and grabs your heart.

While spying on their wives at a “Girls’ Night Out,” a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo sees how much they enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. In preparing, they find themselves extremely exposed; not merely physically but emotionally. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they’re stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to “let it go.”

The Full Monty is a story full of heart. Right to the end, audiences will be wondering if these lovable misfits will really pull it off. With a raucous mix of razor-sharp humor and toe-tapping pizzazz, this heartwarming, upbeat comedy is a must for any theatre looking for a big hit.

THE FULL MONTY CAST

Jerry Lukowski …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………. Keith Faris
Dave Bukatinsky ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…. David Walker
Malcolm MacGregor ……………………………………………………………………………….……….………… Jason Ellis
Ethan Girard …………………………………………………………………….……………………………………… David Addis
Harold Nichols ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. David Russell
Noah “Horse” Simmons …………………………………………………………………………….……. William Coleman
Nathan Lukowski ……………………………………………………………………………………….………. Patrick Higgins
Buddy “Keno” Walsh ……………………………………………….…………………….………..……. Daniel McPherson
Jeanette Burmeister ……………………………………………………………………………………….……….. Peg Harvey
Vicki Nichols ……………….………………………………………..………..………………………… MariAnne Hernandez
Pam Lukowski ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………….. Grace Vitale
Georgie Bukatinsky …………………………………….………………………….……………………….. Madison Bradley
Estelle Genovese ……………………………………………………………………………..………….……….. Micaela Baca
Reg / Ensemble ……………….………………………………………..………..…………………………………… Craig Engle
Teddy / Ensemble ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Jason Lipton
Gary / Ensemble ………….…………………………………………………….…………………………….. James Sheppard
Molly / Ensemble ………………………………………………………………………..………….. Susie MacIntosh Lowe
Joanie / Ensemble ………….…………………………………………………….…………………………….. Javisha Strong
Susan / Ensemble ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Michelle Neal

THE FULL MONTY CREATIVE TEAM

Director ……………………………………..…………………………………..………..…………………….. Dewayne Barrett
Music Director …………………………………………………………………………………………..…………. Rick Bogner
Scenic Designer ……………………………………….…………………………………………..………….. Donna Buckalter
Lighting Designer ………………….………….…………………………………..…………………….……….. Joseph Oshry
Costume Designer ………………………………….……….……………………………..………………………. Becky Evans
Stage Manager ……………………………………………….…………………..………………………………… Neal Addison
Sound Designer ………………………………………………….……………….….……………………………………. Tom Sell

THE FULL MONTY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Wednesdays & Thursdays: 7:30PM Curtain
Fridays & Saturdays: 8:00PM Curtain
Sundays: 2:00PM Curtain

To purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (941) 748-5875, order online at ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com or visit the Manatee Performing Arts Center Box Office at 502 Third Avenue W. The Box Office is currently open Monday – Friday 10AM – 5PM.

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

502 Third Avenue W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Box Office: (941) 748-5875
ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com

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