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A Strapping Good Time

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By MARSHA REINIERS Hernando Today correspondent

Published: January 11, 2008

HUDSON - HUDSON -

No holds barred, "The Full Monty" currently playing at Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson, tugs at your heartstrings, making you both laugh and cry. Do these men really strip? Yes, but it is done very tastefully. Is there foul language? Yes. Of course. These are men who are salt of the earth mill workers struggling with their masculinity after losing their jobs. Without a job — these guys are like ships without sails, in uncharted waters. Meanwhile, the women in their lives still have their jobs and their sex appeal and are strong, brassy, self assured women.
But under the apt direction of Matthew McGee, this show is so much more than just a male strip act. It is about relationships, husbands and wives, ex-wives, a son, and good friends. And coupled with its beautiful lyrical score, "The Full Monty" is poignantly sweet and extremely entertaining. With this talented cast of performers, it will probably be a sellout.
The chief organizer, Jerry Lukowski, aptly played by Larry Buzzeo, is frantic that he may lose custody of his son, Nathan (played by eleven year old L. J. Jones) because he is months behind in his child support payments. After being laid off from his job at the factory, his self esteem hits rock bottom, along with his finances, and he concocts a crazy scheme to make money. He enlists the help of five other guys who form a dance troupe called "Full Metal," where they plan to reveal "the full Monty" – full frontal nudity – to ensure high ticket sales as a way to solve their money problems.
As Jerry, Buzzeo shows enormous range, both vocally and emotionally. His beautiful rendition of the heart warming ballad, "Breeze off the River," which he sings to his sleeping son is touching. But the real relationship here is between Jerry and his best friend, Dave (Todd Eskin) as they fight and hurl insults at each other as only two male friends can do. Todd Eskin is a standout as the self consciously chubby big hearted friend.
His frustration at being fat is painfully evident with "You Rule My World," as he sings about his angst over how his stomach rules his life, while Harold Nichols, the plant manager turned dance instructor, (Vincent D'Elia) sings the same song to his sleeping wife, Vicki (Katie Kerwin) as an expression of love. While not well liked at the factory, he finds he really is "one of the guys" and shows his 'men' he has a vulnerable side too.
Young Jones nails the personality of the slightly gawky, pre-teen son of Jerry, wavering between childhood and adulthood. Amanda Carlisle is believable as Jerry's exasperated ex-wife, Pam, who genuinely is concerned about her ex's well being.
As Noah, Damron Russel Armstrong goes through a complete metamorphosis as the bent over arthritic old man to a lithe, rubber jointed hoofer, in "Big Black Man." With his powerful voice and swivel hips, his performance is a show stopper.
Tyler Fish gives a high spirited performance as Ethan Girard, the energetic wanna be dancer. His antics as he attempts to walk up a wall in a 'Donald O'Conner' move from "Singing in the Rain" are hilarious.
Aaron Wooten as the seemingly not too bright young man, Malcolm, who still lives with his mother was particularly well cast. The haunting ballad, "You Walk With Me," where he realizes he must now face a life alone without his mother, sung beautifully by Wooten and joined by his new friend, Ethan, brought a tear to many an eye.
Act I closes with the "Michael Jordan's Ball." Incredibly, Choreographer Andi Sperduti manages to make these six men stumbling over their own feet execute precise basketball dance moves as they transition into a sophisticated dance routine. Sperduti does double duty as the gum popping, sexpot Estelle Genovese, and is terrific as the loud female with a huge heart. Also notable is Billy Masuck as Keno, the professional Chippendale dancer.
As working class girls out for a good time, the female cast members were great fun in "It's a Woman's World," sung in the men's restroom of the male strip club. Regina Fernandez is stunning as Dave's frustrated but dedicated wife, Georgia Bukatinsky, along with Kerwin, singing the reprise of "You Rule My World," in Act II. Kerwin rattles the rafters as Vicki, the big spending wife of Harold, commanding the stage in "Life with Harold" with her gusty, brassy voice.
While Pat Getty delivers her lines with the acerbic style needed for the salty rehearsal accompanist, Jeanette Burmeister, the dated references to Lawrence Welk and other stars of bygone days seem to require an older actor, or perhaps using makeup to transform her into the eighty something character I envisioned in this role.
Go see "The Full Monty." You will find yourself rooting for these six guys, as they struggle with their relationships and feelings of self worth. Before it's all over, you may just find yourself caught up in the emotion of the moment, whooping and hollering along with the rest of the crowd for these loveable guys.
"The Full Monty" plays through Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinee starts at 3 p.m. Doors open two hours before each show for dinner and cocktails. Matinees are available on most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $44 plus tax and gratuity for dinner and show. Show only is 32.95 plus tax and gratuity. Ages 12 and younger, $26.45 and $21.45, plus tax and gratuity. Show Palace Dinner Theatre is located at 16128 U. S. 19 North in Hudson.
For more information, call the theatre at 727-863-7949 or 888-655-7469 to reserve your tickets or visit www.showpalace.net.

For more information, call the theatre at 727-863-7949 or 888-655-7469 to reserve your tickets or visit www.showpalace.net.

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