Review of The Full Monty, book by Terrence McNally, Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek, directed by Dewayne Barrett, Manatee Performing Arts Center

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The Full Monty, book by Terrence McNally, Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek, directed by Dewayne Barrett, Manatee Performing Arts Center April 20, 2017

review by don411.com

The Full Monty, a hilarious story of newly unemployed steel workers is heart-warming fun with more depth than you might expect. One by one, we see how these families and lives are deeply challenged during the fall of the steel industry and how they pull together to pull it all together in a tasteful finale you will not forget.

Jerry Lukowski (Keith Faris, a first timer with MPAC) is convincingly desperate for a meaningful job to pay his back child support. His former wife Pam played by Grace Vitale threatens to cut off visits with his son, Nathan (Patrick Higgins) unless he comes through with the money.   Professional stripper Buddy Keno Walsh brashly played by Daniel McPherson, encourages him to start a home-town dance act. The boys decide to go all the way,” the Full Monty” to distinguish themselves from the professional dancers with their perfect physiques.

This rag tag group is strongly portrayed by the men searching for their new identities. They struggle with their family roles as house husbands and lost souls. David Walker is unforgettable as overweight and self conscious Dave Bukatinsky.   Malcolm (Jason Ellis) and Ethan (David Addis) discover more than friendship. Harold, (David Russell) the foreman at the plant finds the courage to come clean with his wife Vicki (MariAnne Hernandez) and redefine their marriage in a touching scene. Noah “Horse” (William Coleman) bravely leaves his arthritis behind to flaunt his “gifts”.

While we are looking at the guys, anticipating the finale, Jeanette (Peg Harvey) is stealing the show. She appears out of nowhere at the first rehearsal and brings a piano with her. Her tough love and determination transforms the boys into confident performers.

The mystery musicians of MPAC came through with powerful support for the resonant voices of the cast. Dramatic lighting shifted the mood from desperate to hopeful and scene changes smoothly supported the script. Costumes and sets beautifully portrayed the dreary economic realities of the time.

The bad news is that this show is the last of this season’s Broadway series. The good news is, this show is fantastic and it runs through May 7th. Self-confidence is very sexy.  Don’t miss it!

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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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