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Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast The Full Monty Also see Bill's review of Godspell
The concept of a musical based on the hit movie of the same title began with book author Terrence McNally. He had already written successful musicals with Kander and Ebb and Ahrens and Flaherty, but neither team was interested in this project. David Yazbek had produced two rock albums that had caused some stir but was completely new to the world of theater. He wrote the score, and a hit musical opened on Broadway in 2000. Since then Yazbek has written the score to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which was a modest hit and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown which had a star studded production at Lincoln Center and produced a delightfully entertaining cast album even if the show didn't work well on stage. McNally reset the Fully Montystory in Buffalo, New York, to make it easier for American audiences to warm to the characters—a fine choice. The story centers around a group of former steel workers, out of work for an extended period of time, financially challenged, and their self esteem battered. They decide to put on a strip show to raise money, even though they might not be thought of as hunks. Wages has directed and choreographed for a very good community theater production, lively throughout. The basic sets by Ryan Mueller, large white moveable panels resembling screens with yellow industrial doors set into several, are functional, allowing various locations to be delineated. He also designed the effective lighting. Nicholas Hartman has designed costumes that set the period as early to middle disco era, a good choice, even though some of the music and dialogue suggest 10 years later. Music director Michelle Kaskaskia leads a sassy six-piece ensemble, perfect for this piece. Sound designer Dorian Boyd had some trouble with mics early on but that resolved itself quickly. The men dominate The Full Monty. James Bock plays Jerry Lukowski with warmth. He is a solid singer in both his solo moments and in ensembles. He shows great chemistry with Rik Robertson as Dave Bukatinsky, making their long history as buds believable. Mr. Robertson finds a nice line between schlump and loving husband. Joseph Giglia as Harold Nichols, Brian Graziani as Malcolm MacGregor, Mark Vincent Mansilungan as Ethan Girard, and Edwin Watson as Horse complete the central male characters. They are supported by Lynne Buhle as Jeanette Burmeister, Cara Herman as Georgie Bukatinsky, Kim Kollar as Vicki Nichols and Rhonda Sudik as Pam Lukowski. This version of The Full Monty is lively, solid community theater, a fine afternoon or evening of entertainment. Venice Theater presents The Full Monty through November 30, 2014. 140 West Tampa Ave., Venice, FL Box Office (941) 488-1115 www.venicestage.com. Cast: Musicians: Director/Choreographer: Brad Wages
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