Will They Really Pull it Off?
The Full Monty, on stage at Asheville Community Theatre.
When a group of unemployed Buffalo steelworkers come up with a way to make some quick cash, everyone wonders if they will really pull it off! Asheville Community Theatre’s musical production of The Full Monty is based on the cult hit film and features the most highly anticipated closing number of any show.
After seeing how much their wives are enjoying a “Girls’ Night Out” watching male strippers, a group of unemployed friends come up with a bold way to make some quick cash—performing one night only as a strip group called Hot Metal. In preparing for their big performance, the men find themselves extremely exposed both physically and emotionally. As they work to conquer their fears and self-consciousness, they come to discover that they’re stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to “let it go.”
“This show is a good time, there’s no doubt about that,” said Susan Harper, Executive Director of ACT. “But in the musical, we really get to see the full lives of these men—and how their lives have totally shifted because they’ve lost their jobs. They’re worried about the people they love, they’re unsure about their futures, and they’re feeling a little desperate. They’re great guys and we get to see all of that.”
The Full Monty stars a cast of 21 community members. Corey Link, Michael Crosa, Mark Jones, Elijah York, Andy Thompson, and Nick Biggs star as the men who form Hot Metal; York and Biggs are making their ACT debuts. Other ACT veterans in the cast include Adam Lentini, Cassie Marcelo, Melissa Stone, Karyn Panek, Evan Oldenburg, Todd Oldenburg, Stephanie Marzoula, Scott Cameron, Linda Pannullo, and Tina Pisano-Foor.
ACT Mainstage newcomers Asa Gardiner, Patricia Birnbaum, Bruce Smith, Bob Johnson, and Eugene Jones round out the cast. Asheville Community Theatre’s production of The Full Monty is directed by Jerry Crouch with music direction by Rob Blackwell and choreography by Jacob Walas.
The Full Monty runs through June 24, 2018 with performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. Two additional Thursday night performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on June 14 and 21, 2018.
Tickets are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, over the phone at (828) 254-1320, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office. For more information, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.
