REVIEW: Umbrella Stage Company delivers boldly funny ‘The Full Monty’
For a few average guys down on their luck, the time has come to risk it all.
The Chippendales have landed in Buffalo, New York and have captured the local women’s attention while a local factory has closed down leaving a group of steel workers on the unemployment line to support themselves and their families, but on a quest to regain their self confidence and mojo back. Suddenly Michael Levesque as Jerry realizes the only way to get ahead is with some daring ingenuity to the tune of $50,000.
With upbeat direction by Leigh Barrett and zany choreography by Najee Brown, The Umbrella Stage Company continues musical comedy The Full Monty live and in person at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday May 19. This show contains adult themes, partial nudity and runs approximately two hours and 20 including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Set in 1989, Rebecca Glick’s colorful and at times neon costumes were quite a wild walk down memory lane. From neon scrunchies to tiger print sequins and jean jackets to track suits, it was such fun to revisit that late 80s nostalgia. Jenna McFarland Lord’s realistic and rolling two floor set reflect the run down nature of Buffalo in the stained metal walls, steel accents, and the paradox of escapism in the glowing sign and glittery curtains of Club Giordano.
The Full Monty is more of a comedic romp than it is provocative, but both play an important role in this production. This Full Monty is lighter on the innuendo and essentially explores the lives of a group of blue collar workers just trying to make it in this steel town as they face unemployment and various personal problems as explained in the humorous number, Scrap. For example, depressed Night guard Malcolm in a lovably sympathetic performance by John Breen, wants to find his independence living alone with his ailing and emotionally abusive mother, depicted in a dual role by Jennifer Bubriski while Michael Levesque as impulsive yet sympathetic Jerry needs to earn enough to pay child support to his ex-wife, Pam portrayed by Stephanie Barney. Levesque as Jerry shines in the heartfelt ballad, Breeze off the River and shares some endearing scenes with Jackson Wisco as adorable Nathan. Tim Lawson as Jerry’s best friend Dave wants to support Jerry and soon realizes his own ardent need for a win.
Combining a charming group of actors to portray ego-bruised men with great chemistry, witty banter, and well timed physical humor placed in a vast array of awkward situations is no easy feat, but this skilled group shares a moving bond with exceptional camaraderie. Joshua Wolf Coleman delivers fervent vocals and smooth dance moves in tweed as widower Horse during a hilarious audition process. Tim Lawson’s Dave boasts strong vocals and notable comedic timing especially evident in a heartfelt duet with Will McGarrahan as Harold in You Rule My World and in the darkly satirical tune with Breen and Levesque for Big Ass Rock. Jacob Thomas Less brings a delightful lightheartedness to the role of Ethan and Breen delivers a stirring and earnest rendition of You Walk with Me.
Jennifer Bubriski is excellent as spunky, several times divorced accompanying piano player Jeanette. Bubriski is frank and no filter funny which makes her a bit of a scene stealer. Bubriski keeps the laughs coming in an excellent rendition of Jeanette’s Showbiz Number. Aimee Doherty transforms a somewhat shallow role as Harold’s younger materialistic wife, Vicki and infuses absorbing charm and likability beyond the catchy, Latin-inspired number Life with Harold.
Najee Brown nails this particular brand of introverted and awkward dance moves into some of the most exciting parts of the production. Got the Goods and Let it Go are equal parts embarrassing, raunchy, lively and funny with Got the Goods particularly feeding into each character’s insecurities. One of the best parts of the show is watching those characters amusingly let loose.
The Full Monty has come a long way. From a British 1997 film that I could not get through to a musical comedy tastefully bringing sexy back in ridiculous and heartfelt ways leaving you rooting for these six down on their luck men to show Buffalo what they are made of.
With upbeat direction by Leigh Barrett and zany choreography by Najee Brown, The Umbrella Stage Company continues musical comedy The Full Monty live and in person at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday May 19. This show contains adult themes, partial nudity and runs approximately two hours and 20 including one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
