“The Full Monty” is a Broadway Musical based on the movie of the same name and is now playing at The Sauk Theater in downtown Jonesville for a 2 week run. Out-of-work blue collar guys are desperate for work and discover that they might be able to make some quick cash if they became exotic male dancers for just one night. They see the kind of money the world famous Chippendale Dancers make, and figure that women would pay to see real local men as much as they would to see the fantasy men of the infamous troupe. To set them apart from the Chippendales, they decide to go “The Full Monty”, or totally nude during their performance.
Conflicts, decisions, relationships, and economics are reviewed in this play with roots that many of us have experienced. The men’s stories are very familiar. The desperation is obvious. The solution is unique. I have not seen the movie or the play, so I came in with no expectations. The guys were lovable. Their families were struggling. The songs were humorous, The choreography was excellent–I especially enjoyed how the guys learned to dance. The story was outstanding.
I laughed out loud throughout the evening, kept a smile on my face through the entire first act, and shed a tear toward the end. I was impressed by the actors, the lighting, and the orchestra. This is a high quality, high energy, very well done play. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I was impressed that this play did so well on preview night. This is not the kind of play that is generally on stage in small town America, but it worked in Jonesville. A standing ovation says all you need to know if you are on the fence about seeing this show. Yes, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Performances Thursday-Saturday nights at 8:00 and Sunday matinee at 3:00 through August 20, 2017. $12 admission. Reservations suggested. Order tickets online or at the box office.