by Carol Davis      
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Blinded by the lights again at Full Monty

SAN DIEGO—When the Full Monty first opened at The Old Globe Theatre, directed by Jack O’ Brien  in 2000, (it was premiered here before it went on to take the high ground on Broadway but lost out to The Producers that year) everyone was concerned about well…the Full Monty! If you are wondering what I mean, I get it, because I was in the dark about it myself. But 2000 was the year of enlightenment  for me. I learned that Full Monty meant in the absolute, totally nude, in the raw, stark naked. It’s not a new concept in theatre, but when we’re talking about six regular guys dancing, and not your typical Chippendale types, one might want to think through a trip to the theatre just to see that. Think no more. It was a successful hit then, and now, back in San Diego by  way of a new musical theatre group, San Diego Musical Theatre, you have a chance to see it (we are not defining it) again.

With David Yazbeck (music and lyrics) and Terrance McNally (book) collaborating on this one, the story (originally a movie, it  took place in the mining town of Sheffield, England) takes place in Buffalo. The factory that supports the town has closed and the six men in question have been laid off. Since their wives are still working at local restaurants, some office types and some stay at home, the guys, being macho guys, can’t seem to get their acts together to find what little employment there is out there that is suitable for them. Rule out security guards at the Mall in the neighboring town. That’s wimpy!  and restaurant work is for the ‘girls. They grumble, they argue, they bond, they meet at their union hall and have bitching sessions. It all adds up to naught, especially since money is becoming a scarce commodity for most of them.

When a Chippendale dancer, Buddy “Keno” Walsh, (Craig Cady has some set  of buns) comes to town for a one night stand the gals go gaga. They’re in a flutter. This is how they plan to spend their ‘girls night out’ money and time. When he notices that cash  for the tickets doesn’t seem to be an obstacle for their  wives, since he sees how fast they are dishing it out, one of the husbands (Jerry) gets an idea to put on a strip ‘n show, show of their own with his friends in mind. Pay attention, these are overweight, underweight, uncoordinated, black, white, gay, self conscious,  past prime time guys who need to raise enough money to help themselves out of debt in general, and in particular, for their friend Jerry (Allan Snyder) who will lose custody of  his son Nathan (Ari Lerner) because of back child support.

And so the saga goes with a little character building and background information on each of the key characters. The dancing lessons, rehearsals, and just plain struggle of getting everyone on board to mount this amateur show, begins. It’s fun, and after the second time around, the lyrics seem catchier, funnier and more significant (but don’t read too much into this) than the first time go. For some reason, and it could be the smaller size of the theatre, it’s in the Mary Birch North Park Theatre, it seemed more intimate and less formal. The cast formed cheering sections coming out from the audience (don’t remember that) and mingling with us during some of the musical numbers and the audience seemed more enthusiastic. Sometimes regional theatre will do that and this is the Regional Premiere, so tout the founders of this young and new enterprise.

Again, the male  cast, overall, is very well suited and come across as just your average guys. Allan Snyder’s Jerry Lukowski, the main driver for getting this strip act into the local club, is not as convincing as I would like to have seen him  on opening night but it’s the rest of the cast by and large who push the production along at a pretty high speed. Outstanding is John Massey, Jr. as Dave Bukatinski the ‘big guy with the weight problem’ to overcome, or not. He is so natural with perfect timing and about as believable as you could want. His character is one of the most interesting. Reggie Burrell is an African-American member of the ensemble (Noah “Horse” T. Simmons) and what a performance he gives. His Big Black Man number just about brought the house down as did Michael Jordan’s Ball by the male ensemble.

Young Ari Lerner, who is in the process of studying for his Bar Mitzvah which is scheduled for 2008, plays Nathan. Lerner’s family encourages acting and theatre.   His mother was a professional dancer, his  sister just graduated from the Arts program at Coronado High where Ari and brother Zev are students. Zev is in  the high school Creative Arts Program, Ari is still in Jr. High. All three have acting credits, and have been seen on many local stages at various times in their young acting lives.

Not to be outdone by any of the adults in the company, Lerner is perfectly comfortable on stage and has as much poise as any of the seasoned veterans. As the only child in a field of adults, Lerner’s Nathan is one of turnabout is fair play as he guides his father, Jerry, to start acting like an adult and get on with the business of being a parent. In a phone conversation with Ari’s mom, she too noted how grown-up her young son is in this role where he seems to be more mature than the father.  He is convincing and a pleasure to watch.  Keep your eye on this guy!

The women’s ensemble is just as strong if not stronger with some great singing voices in Amy Biedel as Dave’s faithful and patient wife, Georgie. Dana Shaw is Jerry’s wife and was a little shrill.  Marci Anne Wubben is perfect as Vicki Nichols, to Andy Collins’ Harold Nichols, the boss. Both  were convincing and in great dance and voice mode. Veteran actress, our own  Priscilla Allen is, once again, in rare form as Jeanette Brumeister, the piano playing, tough talking, old hand who doesn’t mind sharing a swig or two from her little er, pocket flask. She’s another reason for  a trip to North Park to see the show.

Nick De Gruccio’s direction was smooth sailing and under the expert baton of musical director/conductor Don LeMAster, the music roared out of the side speakers making the overall production sound like a big show. Unfortunately, the individual mikes weren’t as effective (Steve Stopper) and some of the sound was muffled or couldn’t be heard. Jeanne Reith’s costumes, John Todd’s lighting design (it’s a biggie) and Lee Martino’s choreography puts this production in the plus column.

If you have never been to the newly refurbished North Park Theatre you will be in for a treat. One of the best incentives is the $5.00 parking garage across from the theatre.

It plays through the 13th of May. To reach the theatre, call (858) 560-5740 or SDMT.org. And oh, by the way, we never do get to see who was circumcised. See you at the theatre.