The Keegan Theatre presents the raucous musical The Full Monty, opening on May, 4, 2013. The Americanized musical stage version of the 1997 British film, The Full Monty boasts a book by Terrence McNally and a score by David Yazbek. It was nominated for nine Tony awards, including Best Musical, when it shimmied its way onto Broadway in 2000.
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.
