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| Bailey Lutton (Malcolm)- Garrett Kelly (Horse) - Dave Smith - (Jerry) Jake Fraser (Ethan) - Max Gambale (Dave) - Michael Jordan (Harold) |
Directed by
Chris Baldock - Musical Direction by Katrina Tang
Choreographed by Jordan Kelly - Set Designed by Thompson Quan-Wing
Costumes designed by Suzan Cooper
Presented by Supa Productions
The Q,
Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre 8th to 23rd March 2019.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
“The Full
Monty” tells the story of a group of unemployed steelworkers, who inspired by a
visit to their town by the all-male Chippendales strip show, decide to stage
their own version to make some fast money. When Jerry (Dave Smith) the leader
of the group, tells them that their show will be better than The Chippendales
because they’ll go “the full Monty” and strip all the way, their fears, self-consciousness
and insecurities surface.
Terrence
McNally’s strong book divertingly explores notions of masculinity, friendship,
even suicide, supported by serviceable music and lyrics by David Yazbek, which
allow the characters to express opinions and anxieties strongly, and which is
given a kick-ass performance by Katrina Tang’s superb band.
Director,
Chris Baldock has set his gritty interpretation in an abstract industrial
setting of scaffolding and metal. It’s not pretty but it’s certainly
appropriate and provides the production with additional gravitas by focussing the
attention firmly on the characters.
Baldock has
also assembled an impressive cast, led by Dave Smith as family man, Jerry,
desperately trying to retain the love and respect of his young son. Smith
centres the production with his strong presence, excellent singing and dancing,
and his scenes with Callum Doherty as his son, Nathan, are beautifully handled.
Smith receives
excellent support from Max Gambale as Dave, his best friend, who’s grappling
with his own body-image issues. Together they make a charismatic duo. Jake
Fraser as the indefatigable Ethan, determined to run up a wall, and Garrett Kelly
with an eye-catching turn as Horse, also stand out in a strong cast.
 |
| Kirrily Cornwell as Vicki |
Kirrily
Cornwell as Vicki provides one of the vocal highlights with her song “Life With
Harold”, while Lauren Nihill turns in a delightful comedic performance as the
wry and dry pianist, Jeanette.
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| Lauren Nihill as Jeanette |
Jordan Kelly’s
excellent choreography is performed with gusto by the cast. It suits the tone
of the production perfectly, and cleverly displays the development of the
characters as they work towards their big night.
“A Full
Monty” is a show with a tough exterior, but winningly soft centre, which turns
a spotlight on significant issues of relationships. Supa Productions have come
up with a production guaranteed to delight and entertain anyone willing to have
their buttons pushed and their mind engaged.
Photos by Ben Appleton/Photox - Canberra Photo Service
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 9.3.2019
