The Helen Hayes Awards has recommended Keegan Theatre’s production of THE FULL MONTY.

Don’t miss the show hailed as “joyful,” “a helluva good time,” and “a crowd pleaser”…!

Mark and Susan Rhea direct the reimagining of the Tony-nominated Best Musical in a way that manages to capture both the whimsicality and theatricality of the piece, without losing its decidedly human core….”
– DC Metro Theater Arts

THE FULL MONTY

by Terrence McNally and David Yazbek

Directed by Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea

Music Directed by Jake Null
Choreographed by Ashleigh King

May 4 -June 1, 2013

Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm

The Cast

Jerry ……………….. Kurt Boehm*
Dave ……………….. Matt Dewberry
Malcolm ……………….. John Loughney
Nathan ……………….. Max Jackson
Harold ……………….. Charlie Abel
Ethan ……………….. Michael Innocenti
Noah ……………….. Patrick Doneghy
Teddy ……………….. Chad Fornwalt
Keno ……………….. James Finley
Reg ……………….. Mike Kozemchak
Tony ……………….. Josh Sticklin

Georgie ……………….. Kari Ginsburg
Pam ……………….. Autumn Seavey
Vicki ……………….. Priscilla Cuellar
Jeannette ……………….. Rena Cherry Brown
Estelle ……………….. Sherry Berg
Susan ……………….. Jennifer Richter
Joanie……………….. Farrell Parker

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, appearing under a Special Appearance Contract

The Production Team:

Directors ……………….. Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea
Musical Director ……………….. Jake Null
Choreographer ……………….. Ashleigh King
Stage Manager ……………….. Christina Coakley
Set Design ………………….. 4 Point Design Collective
Lighting Design ……………….. Allan Sean Weeks
Costume Designer ……………….. Erin Nugent
Set Dressing and Properties Designer ……………….. Carol Baker
Properties ……………….. Katrina Wiskup
Assistant Stage Manager ……………….. Will Pommerening

A versatile and gloriously fun score” – The New York Post

Abel amuses as a man with an MBA who can’t accept losing his own job; Patrick Doneghy steals his opening scene as Horse, a man who would seem to be a bit old and arthritic for this sort of thing; John Loughney displays an ethereal voice as mama’s boy Malcolm; and Michael Innocenti gets to goof around (and, no doubt, collect bruises) as “natural talent” Ethan.

The most innovative thing about the Rheas’ staging is the set design by 4Point Design Collective. Keegan works in the confined space of the Church Street Theater…so the design team has created a space delineated by screens and sets each scene through projections. Erin Nugent’s closely observed, sometimes hilarious costumes also benefit the total picture.

The stage itself is mostly bare, save for a chair here, a table there allowing the space for choreographer, Ashleigh King’s dance numbers to shine. Erin Nugent’s costume designs also help [the finale] finish strong; No strip scene would be complete without men dressed as cops in good old black and blue.

As Jerry, the leader of “Hot Metal,” Kurt Boehm is perfect as the blue collar everyman with a son he’ll do anything for. As Dave, Matthew Dewberry is endearing as Jerry’s chubby wingman who is self-conscious about his weight and clueless as to how to fix his stalled marriage.

John Loughney is the perfect Malcolm…Michael Innocenti is equally terrific as Ethan, the clan’s resident klutz and Malcolm’s biggest ally.

As Harold, Charlie Abel offers a pleasant lightness to the group of six. As Horse, [Patrick] Doneghy breathes a boatload of pep into the first act during his performance of “Big Black Man.”

That said the supporting cast is no less talented and adept…Rena Cherry Brown steals the show as Jeanette, the flask-wielding, raspy voiced pianist with a grab bag of risqué one-liners at her disposal.

At Keegan, Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea’s direction allows for the more heartwarming aspects of the story to shine through. They’ve assembled a group of enthusiastic, seasoned and less-seasoned talent to bring the Average Joes and their significant others – dressed in socio-economic status-appropriate garb designed by Erin Nugent – to life.
Ashleigh King’s choreography is delightful – and more about presenting the decidedly human characters on a journey.

Casting wise, the production features a very solid triple-threat ensemble, which cannot be overlooked.

It’s hard to keep your eyes off Kurt Boehm in any scene whether he’s the focus or not…. he possesses an exceedingly strong and versatile tenor voice that’s particularly evident in “Man/Man Reprise” and the more ballad-like “Breeze Off the River.” He’s also charming, natural and relatable to boot so much so that you want to root for his character – and this is exactly what’s needed for the production to be successful. Likewise, [Michael] Innocenti shows off his knack for comedy as the slightly dense Ethan and also possesses a thoroughly professional voice.

It’s one of those unbeatable comic moments that playwright Terrence McNally has written into his musical adaptation of the 1997 film The Full Monty. Crafted to incorporate cultural and gender stereotypes, the stage version aims for a mass appeal, and Keegan’s cast delivers the goods.

[Mark A.] Rhea and [Susan Marie] Rhea chose their cast wisely, men whose bodies and voices are not airbrushed and technologically mixed to be anything but who they are. This grounded the work and made certain break-out songs all the more enjoyable.

[Kurt] Boehm anchors the play with a performance that is strong vocally and emotionally compelling. He is totally believable as a guy coming up through the ranks of working class Buffalo….. [John]Loughney is a marvelous singer-actor and can crank to another gear….[Kari] Ginsburg’s reprise of the song “You Rule My World” with Priscilla Cuellar shows these women can really deliver the vocal goods in this pop musical….the knock-out performance is Rena Cherry Brown as the tough-as-nails, whiskey-and-cigarette voiced, retired pro with stories about working with every hoofer and songwriting team in Broadway’s history.

Musical Director Jake Null scores big points in keeping the rather long score propelling forward musically.

Choreographer Ashleigh King is also to be commended on the women’s numbers as well as the lead up and final men’s dances.

-Read the Full Review at DC Theatre Scene

Directed by Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea

Music Directed by Jake Null
Choreographed by Ashleigh King

NOW EXTENDED THROUGH JUNE 8!!!

Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm
Photos from the Show

The Cast

Jerry ……………….. Kurt Boehm*
Dave ……………….. Matt Dewberry
Malcolm ……………….. John Loughney
Nathan ……………….. Max Jackson
Harold ……………….. Charlie Abel
Ethan ……………….. Michael Innocenti
Noah ……………….. Patrick Doneghy
Teddy ……………….. Chad Fornwalt
Keno ……………….. James Finley
Reg ……………….. Mike Kozemchak
Tony ……………….. Josh Sticklin

Georgie ……………….. Kari Ginsburg
Pam ……………….. Autumn Seavey
Vicki ……………….. Priscilla Cuellar
Jeannette ……………….. Rena Cherry Brown
Estelle ……………….. Sherry Berg
Susan ……………….. Jennifer Richter
Joanie……………….. Farrell Parker

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, appearing under a Special Appearance Contract

The Production Team:

Directors ……………….. Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea
Musical Director ……………….. Jake Null
Choreographer ……………….. Ashleigh King
Stage Manager ……………….. Christina Coakley
Set Design ………………….. 4 Point Design Collective
Lighting Design ……………….. Allan Sean Weeks
Costume Designer ……………….. Erin Nugent
Set Dressing and Properties Designer ……………….. Carol Baker
Properties ……………….. Katrina Wiskup
Assistant Stage Manager ………………..  Will Pommerening

A versatile and gloriously fun score” – The New York Post

The set design by 4 Point Design Collective and lighting design by Allan Sean Weeks illustrate the ways in which the simplest of set pieces can sometimes be the most effective form of storytelling.

The live orchestra is also not to be outdone. The musical direction by Jake Null perfectly sets the tone of the piece…

Since the show is set in a strip club after all, it has no shortage of big, flashy musical numbers. The first act closes with a clever number in which the boys parallel stripping with playing basketball, moving in a dance sequence choreographed by Ashleigh King that expertly blends the pulsating strength of athletic movement with the agile lyricism of dance…

Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea direct the reimagining of the Tony-nominated Best Musical in a way that manages to capture both the whimsicality and theatricality of the piece, without losing its decidedly human core. Commendable too is the outstanding courage and bravery that these cast members have to perform such a revealing and edgy piece of musical theatre.

-Read the Full Review at DC Metro Theater Arts

The Full Monty follows six down-on-their luck steelworkers, relocated to Buffalo, New York, who are desperately seeking employment and a paycheck to support their families- until they come up with a bold way to make some quick cash.  As the guys work through their fears, self-consciousness, feelings of worthlessness and anxieties, they come to discover that not only are they stronger as a group, but that the strength they find in each other gives them the individual courage to face their demons and overcome them. Keegan bares all when this Broadway smash takes the Church Street Stage.

Susan Marie Rhea and Mark A. Rhea direct, with musical direction by Jake Null.  Ashleigh King choreographs.  The Full Monty features actors Kurt Boehm, Matt Dewberry, John Loughney, Max Jackson, Charlie Abel, Michael Innocenti, Patrick Doneghy, Chad Fornwalt, James Finley, Mike Kozemchak, Josh Sticklin, Kari Ginsburg,  Autumn Seavey,  Priscilla Cuellar, Rena Cherry Brown, Sherry Berg, Jennifer Richter and Farrell Parker.

“We are having so much fun with FULL MONTY,” says Susan Marie Rhea.  “The cast comprises some wonderful actors we’ve worked with before – including Rena Cherry Brown (2013 HH Nominee for Keegan’s AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY), Priscilla Cuellar (2013 HH Winner, Outstanding Supporting Actress, Musical), and Keegan’s company choreographer Kurt Boehm, who we are thrilled to have on our stage for the first time in the lead role of Jerry.” In addition to these and other familiar faces and company members, FULL MONTY will showcase several outstanding performers who are making their Keegan stage debut, including Kari Ginsburg, Farrell Parker, and 12-year-old Max Jackson, who is taking on the role of Nathan, Jerry’s wise-beyond-his-years son.  “Often at Keegan we lean toward darker shows,” Rhea continues, “so it’s extremely refreshing to have some fun telling this often hilarious story.  And the great thing about FULL MONTY is that there is so much heart to it, as well – real human dilemmas and conflicts, just set in this comedy-rich context.  We’re having a ball – pun intended.”

The Full Monty runs through June 1, 2013.

The press opening is Tuesday, May 7 at 8:00pm. 

The Keegan Theatre is in its 16th season and is the resident company at Church Street Theater in Dupont Circle.

Keegan was honored to be nominated for SEVEN Helen Hayes Awards, a company record and a particularly notable accomplishment for a company our size.  The awards were held at the Warner Theater on Monday, April 8, and it was an absolute thrill to be there and to hear and see the Keegan name mentioned in company with such esteemed Washington theaters.

To all of our company members, our incredible Board of Directors, and our magnificent audience base:  THANK YOU for all you do for Keegan.

Here’s an interview with Keegan’s Producing Artistic Director Mark Rhea and Associate Artistic Director Susan Rhea — Robert Aubrey Davis interviewed Mark and Susan as 2013 Helen Hayes nominees for this live broadcast from the nominee celebration in Washington, DC.

How did you get interested in theatre?

I first became interested as a film student. I took a few acting classes to get a sense of the process and soon realized that I preferred the immediacy of live theatre to the calculated work of film. I have played sports my whole life and there was something similar in theatre that really grabbed me. It is the shared experience I think that gets me, not only with the audience but more immediately with your fellow actor. The listen/respond and act/react are the essence of both. There is little I have experienced that is quite as fulfilling as this type of cooperation.

You have been a director and a performer for many productions at Keegan Theatre. What are some of your favorite productions that you have worked on at Keegan Theatre? 

Well one of my favorites is definitely August Osage County from last season. Some other acting favorites are Glengarry Glen Ross, Noises Off, and Translations, but wow there were so many others. I’ll just leave it at that. As far as directing I would say Laughter on the 23rd Floorand A Couple of Blaguards were both amazing experiences. I guess I like the comedies. It was very exciting seeing what these wonderful actors would bring into rehearsal everyday.

Can you please tell us where we can see your acting and directing work next?

Well that question follows nicely. My next show is The Hampton Years at Theatre J directed by Shirley Serotsky. After that I will be in Neverwhere with Rorschach.

-Read the Full Article at Maryland Theatre Guide

directed by Colin Smith

March 16-April 7, 2013

Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm

Photos from the Show

A play full of grisly surprises…you’ll spend an hour and a half laughing nonstop.” – The Wall Street Journal

by
Martin McDonagh

March 16 -
April 7, 2013

Thursdays-Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm

*Special Performance Tuesday, March 19, 2013

A Behanding in Spokane is 80 minutes without an intermission.

Recommended for mature audiences. Contains profanity, violence, and adult situations.

A mysterious stranger is on the hunt for his missing appendage, and two bungling crooks — and a hotel clerk with an aversion to gunfire — are caught up in his dangerous machinations. Scathing and hilarious, Behanding is another dazzlingly macabre tale from the brilliant, twisted mind of Martin McDonagh.

A play full of grisly surprises…you’ll spend an hour and a half laughing nonstop.”
- The Wall Street Journal

Photos from the Show

The Cast

Carmichael ……………….. Mark A. Rhea
Mervyn ……………….. Bradley Foster Smith
Toby ……………….. Manu Kumasi
Marilyn ……………….. Laura Herren

The Production Team

Director & Set Designer ……………….. Colin Smith
Assistant Director ……………….. Sherri Herren
Lighting Designer ……………….. Megan Thrift
Costume Designer ……………….. Kelly Peacock
Sound Designer ……………….. Tony Angelini
Hair and Make-up Designer ……………….. Craig Miller
Set Dressing and Properties Designer ……………….. Carol Baker
Set Dressing and Properties Assistant ……………….. Katrina Wiskup
Stage Managers ……………….. Alexis Rose & Dan Deiter
Production Assistant ……………….. Stacey Kruml