Last Thursday, I stopped by the Concord Community Players' studio to sit in on a rehearsal and full run through of the players' upcoming show, “The Full Monty.”
For those not familiar with the musical comedy, here's what you're getting yourself into: The musical play was adapted from the 1997 British movie with the same name. Still, there are several differences between the movie and the musical. For example, don't expect to hear any British accents if you go see the show – the musical takes place in the very glamorous Buffalo, N.Y. Second, the musical has an original score, whereas the movie's soundtrack includes such popular hits as Sister Sledge's “We are Family” and Donna Summer's “Hot Stuff.” Also, the characters in the musical and the movie don't share the same names.
Despite all of this, the plot lines are similar; six recently laid-off steelworkers decide to become strippers to make extra cash, regardless of their looks or talent, therefore causing hilarity to ensue.
If you hadn't already guessed from the premise, you may want to leave the kiddies at home.
Actually, scratch that. Definitely leave them at home.
When the character Buddy “Keno” Walsh, played by Steven Riley, drops trou in the first scene of the play, you'll understand why.
Despite the theme of stripping, the play never seems gratuitous and, trust me, it's not as bad as you think. There are only a handful of times the men actually disrobe. Also, any time stripping takes place it's done in a tasteful, comedic way that is integral to the plot.
This is pulled off so well thanks to Community Players' president Wayland Bunnell's vision of “The Full Monty.” Wayland, a man of many hats, directs the play and knows that his vision could never come to fruition without a talented cast. Luckily, he has just that.
The cast had many standout performers who had this reporter laughing out loud. Despite a few flubs, which are to be expected at any rehearsal, the players brought their A-game. If Thursday night was any indication of what's to come, buy your tickets now because you're in for a good time.
Kevin Roberge pulls at your heartstrings as main character, Jerry, who is still recovering from his porce from ex-wife Pam (played by Sarah Dickinson). Kevin plays Jerry so well, that when Jerry makes the decision to become a stripper so he can afford to make child support payments and continue to see his son, Nathan (played by Verreth Wilson), it seems believable that this harebrained scheme is Jerry's last option, therefore earning him sympathy from the audience.
Kevin's rendition of Jerry not only asks for pity, but for laughs, too. He doesn't have to rely on anyone else for chuckles, but if he did he has quite the cast to back him up. Jerry Smith plays Jerry's best friend, Dave.
(Yes, I'm aware that sounds confusing.)
Dave is the classic short, rotund funny guy that every handsome main character needs as his best bud, and Jerry (the actor) brings many laughs to the role. Whenever Dave is onstage, the audience is in for a hilarious and cynical one-liner.
Then there's Marc Willis as Malcolm. Malcolm, who at the start of the play has no friends, no job and still lives at home with mom, could be seen as quite pathetic, but Marc makes Malcolm lovable and laughable. It's not only Marc's lines that bring life to Malcolm, but also his facial expressions. Keep a close eye on this actor for extra laughs.
Although the main characters are men, the woman also manage to hold their own, especially when they belt out such songs as “It's a Woman's World.” One woman you definitely want to watch is Debra Buckley, who plays the sassy and brassy piano player, Jeannette.
The musical was enjoyable from start to finish and as long as you're okay with seeing a little skin, I'd recommend seeing it. “The Full Monty” will be at the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., April 3 and May 1-2 at 8 p.m. and May 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 -$15. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit communityplayersofconcord.org or call 228-2793.
