Treat Mom to the latest STC production

If you’re offended by the thought of male strippers, stop reading now. If you’re deeply offended by certain four-letter words, you can stop reading too.

Still with me? Okay, let’s talk about “The Full Monty,” which is now playing at the Sudbury Theatre Centre. The Broadway musical is based on the 1997 British comedy movie, transplanted to Buffalo, New York. The story of desperate men thrown out of work when their steel mill shuts down will hit pretty close to home for many people in Sudbury right now. But the solution is a novel one: when Jerry and Dave see the reaction of their wives to a Chippendale’s show that comes to town, they get the idea that they can “bare it all” too, and make $50,000 bucks in one night. Needless to say, these guys — and the others they recruit — don’t look or move like Chippendale’s dancers. But Jerry needs the money or he’ll lose his son in a custody battle. Dave believes he’s fat, unemployed, and hence unlovable. Harold worries that his wife only loves him for the expensive things he buys her. I guess laughter really does come from pain, because “The Full Monty” is hilariously funny. The songs might not send you home humming — they’re more vehicles for wickedly satirical lyrics and dance numbers that are comedic romps.

And what a cast. Not a weak link anywhere. The lead actors are all strong, but the support roles are done superbly too, with some real standouts, like Mary McCandless as far-over-the-hill showbiz queen “Jeanette,” and Michael-Lamont Lytle’s character “Horse” (ask him why’s he’s got that nickname in a show called “The Full Monty”). I know I wasn’t the only audience member with tears in my eyes during Horse’s audition. There are too many riotous moments to mention, but there are also heartfelt love stories too, particularly with Harold and his wife Vicki, and Dave and his wife Georgie. There are poignant interludes with Jerry, his estranged wife Pam, and their son Nathan. Amid all the buffoonery, these tender moments truly work, a real tribute to the actors and STC Artistic Director David Savoy.

To focus only on the cast would be an injustice—the whole production is a gem, from the live band to the choreography, costumes, technical, and more. To watch the ingenious ways the set is transformed from scene to scene is an experience in itself.

As for the burning question in your mind: do the guys really get down all the way to “the full monty”? You’ll just have to see for yourself.

The show, sponsored by Northern Life, runs through May 22 at the Sudbury Theatre Centre. (Box Office 674-8381, ext. 21). And be sure to ask about a special benefit variety show by the cast members.

“The Full Monty” is naughty, but an evening full of belly laughs is always nice.

Scott Overton writes theatre reviews for Northern Life.