The musical is adapted from the 1997 British film of the same name, the action moved to Buffalo, NY (but could really be anywhere in 2026 America). The steel mills have closed down, leaving divorced dad Jerry and his best friend Dave out of work, along with many of the men in the town. Jerry's wife informs him that if he can't pay child support, he may lose custody of his son. After watching the excitement that a touring Chippendale's performance generates, Jerry decides he and his buddies can make some easy money by stripping. This begins a journey of self-discovery, self-confidence, emotional growth, and community-building, so that in the end, taking their clothes off means so much more. The guys start out pretty misogynist and homophobic, but they learn what it is to live as a woman under the male gaze when they take they contemplate getting naked in front of an audience full of women and that gaze is turned around, and when a couple of the guys make a romantic connection, their friends are happy for them. It's a beautiful thing, especially right now, to see that people can change and grow and become better people.
Theatre 55's Artistic Director Richard Hitchler directs this fantastic cast with just the right mix of humor and heart. It's worth noting that not all of the actors in Theatre 55 shows are professional actors, but they're all so present and passionate and invested in the storytelling. Brian Driscoll is great as our protagonist Jerry, kind of a jerk sometimes but you can't help but love him. Zakary Morton is so adorable and believable as Jerry's kid Nathan that I'd like to see his ID to prove he's eligible to be in this show. Steve Ramirez is so endearing as Dave, who goes on a journey of self-love. Joining them in the strip show are Dave Dubin as former boss Harold who's also been let go, Ed Williams Jr. as Malcolm (with the most touching moment in the show), Brent Berheim as Ethan who keeps throwing himself at the wall attempting a Singin' in the Rain dance move, and David Young with some impressive dance moves as Horse. But this show isn't all about the men, the women are pretty great too, including Fawn Wilderson as Jerry's ex, Lori Milbrandt as Dave's frustrated wife, Lisa Ramos as Harold's wife, and Susie Killeen who is a hoot and a half as the experienced pianist/music director who whips these guys into shape.
The show is performed with minimal set, which it doesn't really need. A stage with a catwalk and a couple of folding chairs, the rest is up to our imagination. I love that the six-piece band (led by music director Shirley Mier) is onstage which gives the whole thing a concert feel. The choreography (by Rik Kutcher, who also believably plays the professional stripper) is fun and appropriate for the show and the cast. The costumes (designed by Alicia Vegell) include not just the easy rip-away security guard stripper costumes (and what's underneath), but working class clothes for the guys, and some fun "girls night out" clothes for the women.
I don't know why we haven't seen The Full Monty more often (well, maybe I can guess why), but I think it's very relevant for today, it's a sweet heart-warming message about friendship and self-worth, and it's hilarious and a ton of fun. And this 55+ production is a great one.
