Theater Review: "The Full Monty" at Little Theatre of Manchester

Little Theatre of Manchester is presenting a “full” production of “The Full Monty” at the Historic Cheney Hall in Manchester. The show is part of the Little Theatre’s first full, celebratory season since the pandemic hit. The musical was directed by John Pike, a professor at The Hartt School Theatre Division at the University of Hartford, with music direction by Kim Aliczi, and it runs through Aug. 24.

This very adult musical is based on the 1997 British motion picture written by Simon Beaufoy. With a book written by Terrence McNally and music and clever lyrics by David Yazbek, this very adult musical is based on the 1997 British motion picture written by Simon Beaufoy. The film tells the story of desperate, unemployed workers in a failing steel town in Sheffield, England who reluctantly turn to stripping to make some quick money. McNally’s breezy Americanization of the script, along with first time Broadway composer/lyricist Yazbek’s witty and often touching score, transplants the workers to Buffalo, New York.

Pike points out in his director’s note that although the musical “touches upon long-term unemployment, divorce, child custody and even suicide, humor is never bled out of the story solely to accommodate a difficult message. On the contrary, it’s the hilarity of the characters that makes the piece heartwarming and honest.”

During his tenure as artistic associate for Goodspeed Musicals, Pike got to work with three of the principal actors long before they originated roles in “The Full Monty” On Broadway. Patrick Wilson (Jerry,) Jason Daneiely (Malcolm,) and Marcus Neville (Harold) shared stories of how the Broadway production came together and Pike used the insights to inform his understanding of the work.

The Little Theatre cast is a strong one, made up of talented actors and singers. Ken Schroeder reprises the role of the divorced and out of work dad Jerry Lukowski and gives an excellent performance. His wonderful tenor voice allows him to easily perform all of his numbers, especially “Breeze Off the River.”

Meagan Hayes is a delight in the role of Georgie Bukatinsky, the wife of Dave. She has such a great stage presence and powerfully sings her numbers, especially when she leads “It’s a Woman’s World.” Ariana Straznicky, a professional violinist who took the opportunity when symphonies closed to study voice and pursue theatre for the first time, takes on the role of Jerry’s ex-wife Pam.

Peter Doheny reprises the role of professional male stripper Buddy “Keno” Walsh that he just played at Connecticut Theatre Company in New Britain.

A standout among the men is Bobby Schultz in the role of Lukowski’s best buddy, Dave Bukatinski, and not simply because he has the correct body type for the role. His full singing voice works perfectly with that of Schroeder for “Man” as Schultz convincingly brings the role of the overweight stripper in training to life. The community theater actor has appeared in several shows at Cheney Hall.

Greater Hartford Academy graduate Robert J. Williams ages up to tackle the role of Noah “Horse” T. Simmons and lead the number “Big Black Man.” UConn senior Aleksei Sandals is easy to appreciate in the role of the suicidal Malcolm MacGregor. He and Drew Blake (as Ethan) have the lovely duet “You Walk with Me.”

Juliette Koch Kellogg is the perfect choice for the role of Vicki Nichols, the materialistic wife of the guy’s former foreman and middle class aspirant Harold. In her first appearance on this stage, she gets to show off her dancing ability and sings up a storm. Brian Rucci plays her devoted (if misguided) husband. Dina Akell makes her Little Theatre debut in the marvelous role of Jeanette the tough, showbiz veteran musician that came with the piano.

Debbie Polikaitis, Grace Hetzler, Maya Nicole Matthews, Julie Carvalho, and Reva Kleppel play the giddy ladies who patronize the Chippendales inspired performance. Zach Bakken, Donato DiGenova, Dave Gorman (as Marty Lyons,) Drew Blake (as Ethan,) and Dave Carter play the gentlemen in the cast, with ten-year old Parker Nelson of Colchester as Jerry’s son Nathan.

The relatively small orchestra made the good score sound powerfully perfect. The music director, a self-proclaimed “community theatre evangelist,” led them on keyboard. Jane Krantz, an adjunct professor of dance at The Hartt School, designed the very good choreography. Amanda Marie designed the period appropriate street clothes and the skimpy pieces as well. I loved the vintage tee shirts worn by Jerry.

The set design by Linda Ferreira (part of her 37th production) was appropriate for 1995 Buffalo, although there were some sticking points as the crew attempted to move some pieces into place. Lighting by Robyn Joyce worked nicely and sound design by Ron Shallack had only a few hiccups at the packed matinee that I attended.

Please note this production contains mature themes and language and partial nudity and is recommended for ages 15 and up. The show is presented in two acts with one intermission. For tickets call 860-647-9824 or visit www.cheneyhall.org

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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