‘Hip-swingin’ music fills The Full Monty

By Judi Straughan

Sudburians are lining up to make sure they score tickets for the Sudbury Theatre Centre’s broadway musical The Full Monty. But Randy Vancourt, musical director of this massive production, has a score of another kind on his mind. He is responsible for making composer David Yazbek’s musical vision a reality and to make audience members want to dance in the aisles.

“I’m confident Sudburians are going to love the music in this show,” he said. “It’s a mixture of hip-swingin’ rock, a bit of funk and some soulful ballads, guaranteed to hook the audience and make them want to come back again and again.

It’s neat that it appeals to the younger and older generation and not too many musicals can boast of that.”

The live band, lead by Vancourt on keyboard, is comprised of some of Sudbury’s most seasoned music professionals: Sax, clarinet and flute soar under the fleet fingers of Alan Walsh, who has even played Carnegie Hall; the trombone wails under Sudbury Symphony veteran Blair McNally; while the John Newlands’ guitar sizzles. Who else can handle a bass better than the ever-popular Brian Quebec and who beats the skins with more style than Tony Jurgilas?

“This band is truly highly professional and rehearsals have been amazing,” Vancourt said.

Vancourt has roots both in music and comedy, having had his own national radio show (Radio Freaks), as well as currently performing the hit show “Dueling Pianos,” which can be seen in Toronto.

When asked about his personal favourite musical number in the show, the list quickly became fairly long. “I just love ‘Big Black Man’ in Act One,” he said. “It’s a real show stopper and actor Michael-Lamont Lytle will bring the house down. The rhythm is infectious and choreographer Colette Carr has given him some hysterically funny things to do. Everyone will be talking about that number for sure.”

Of course, one can’t help but wonder about the climactic moment, the end of the show — the full monty number itself.

“The final number is guaranteed to raise that new roof you had put on STC a few years ago,” Vancourt said.

The Full Monty, sponsored by Northern Life, plays from April 29 to May 22, six days a week, from Tuesdays through to Sundays. Evening shows are at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Four shows are already sold out. Phone the STC box office at 674-8381 ext 21 for more information.

Judi Straughan is the education co-ordinator for the Sudbury Theatre Centre.