By Kristen Weyer.
The Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village continues its 2nd Season with The Full Monty. This ten time Tony nominee has a book written by Terrence McNally, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek and was based on the 1997 movie of the same name. Directed here by Evan Pappas, and abounding with energetic and entertaining choreography by Associate Director Eugenio Contenti, The Full Monty will have you laughing, and quite possibly blushing, the whole way through.
Jerry Lukowski (Eddie Egan) is a down-on-his-luck steel worker in Buffalo, NY. He, his best friend Dave (Max Wilcox), and many others, have been out of work for a long time. He’s in arrears on his child support, in danger of losing his son, and in low supply of self-respect. He needs money, a lot of it, and quickly. With the only jobs available not meeting his standards, things are looking down, until he gets an idea. Noticing how excited the women of the town are about the Chippendale dancers, he decides to get some guys together and put on a show featuring “real” Buffalo men. Through awkward rehearsals, self-doubt and cold feet, the six would-be strippers take the audience on a humorous ride through the world of male exotic dancing. Many views of derriere included.
This is an interesting and multi-faceted show. It is simultaneously very funny and very sad; it is raunchy and sexy, and then heartwarming and tender. It shows the deepest desires and fears of normal, everyday people and hits close to home on a number of levels, even if most of us wouldn’t resort to such drastic measures. The underlying current of the entire show is the desperation of these characters who have no work, no self-respect and who are a hairs breadth away from no hope. These six men representing multiple differing walks of life bond together in a last ditch effort to save themselves and their families.
This cast does a wonderful job. Their voices are strong and pleasing, they’re funny, and their characters progress naturally from fear and nervousness, to confidence. All of this they maintain while still managing to portray the down-trodden desperation driving their characters. Egan and Wilcox play off one another very well, making their characters’ friendship seem natural and unforced. Egan’s characterization is excellent, and Wilcox’s one-liner timing is extremely amusing. The young and slightly dim-witted, yet sweet, Malcolm is played by Pat Moran. These three perform the morbidly hysterical number “Big-Ass Rock” to perfection, sure to leave you cringe-laughing. Moran’s later performance of “You Walk With Me” showcases his truly fantastic vocals. Hunter Brown plays the indefatigable Ethan, and John Hickok is the posh Harold, both bringing moments of comedy and heart to the performance. Horse was portrayed by Milton Craig Nealy whose fabulous voice and dancing is sure to impress. Brayden Bratti is adorable and wonderful as Jerry’s son Nathan, and Kristine Zbornik adds humor as the spunky piano player, Jeanette.
In The Full Monty, composer and lyricist, David Yazbek shows a mastery of the art of storytelling through song. From the opening number of “Scrap”, to the finale of “Let It Go”, his strong melodies and pointed lyrics clearly portray the characters feelings and desires. Especially moving is the emotional number “You Rule My World” sung by Dave and Harold, and later reprised by their ‘wives’ Georgie and Vicki, played by Nicole Zelka and Kyra Leeds respectively. Making the music possible of course was the orchestra who beautifully performed this score under direction from conductor Ethan Andersen. Minimal but effective set design from Front Row Theatrical, and setting appropriate costume design by Peter Fogel bolsters the entire show.
Considering the title of the show, Graham Kindred’s well timed lighting design will either be much appreciated, or a disappointment (wink, wink). The Full Monty is at times awkward, at others heartfelt, and always amusing.