In the news again...yes, it's becasue of my indecent exposure.

Baring their emotions in 'Full Monty'Relationships are key to Rep production, but so is that famous finale

By NANCIANN CHERRYBLADE STAFF WRITER
Let's get the big question out of the way first. Yes, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre's production of The Full Monty will include the famous finale.
"It's not, after all, called 'The Partial Monty,' said Jim Norman, who directs the show opening tomorrow in the Tenth Street theater.
But there's much more to the plot than men taking their clothes off, Norman said.
"To me, it's all about the relationships: Jerry with his ex-wife and son and with the guys. The stripper aspect, that's what brings them together. The camaraderie really makes the story."

Based on the 1997 British movie that became a surprise hit, The Full Monty was reworked by for the stage by Terrence McNally (Ragtime, Kiss of the Spider Woman) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), and it opened a 770-performance run on Broadway in 2000. It earned nine Tony nominations in 2001, but it had the bad luck to be up against a juggernaut called The Producers.

In their adaptation, McNally and Yazbek moved the action from Sheffield, England, to Buffalo, N.Y. The rest of the story is pretty much the same.

Six unemployed steelworkers are out of work and desperate for money and dignity.

Jerry is about to lose contact with his son because he can't pay child support.
Dave is convinced that no one, even his wife, could love him because he's a fat loser. Malcolm has to take care of his mother and is becoming suicidal. Harold won't tell his shopaholic wife that he's been out of work for several months. Horse and Ethan round out the six, and they have their problems, too.

After seeing the reaction of the female audience to a Chippendales-style strip show at a club in town, Jerry figures it's easy money, and he recruits his pals to come up with such an act. But when ticket sales are slow, he blurts out that the guys will be doing "the full monty," stripping down to the nude.
As ticket sales go through the roof, the guys begin having second thoughts.
"Our cast is terrific," Norman said. "I've been [directing shows] for 20 years, and this is probably the most talented cast I've ever worked with."

Zach Lahey plays Jerry, Samanthia Rousos is his ex-wife, Pam, and Yianni Papadimos is his son, Nathan.

Jeffrey King and Carol Vendemo are reprising the roles of Dave and his wife, Georgie, having played them in the Croswell Opera House's production of The Full Monty earlier this season.

Jason Langlois and Dana Pilrose play Harold and his wife, Vicki. Matt Bowland plays Malcolm, Charles Walker is Horse, and Matt Oster is Ethan.

Given the strong language and ever-increasing skimpiness of the costumes, the Rep is urging parents to use discretion about bringing children to the show. If it were a movie, Norman said, he'd rate it an R.

"The Full Monty" opens tomorrow and runs through May 13 in the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. Performances are at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, and May 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12; 2:30 and 7 p.m. May 6; and 2:30 p.m. May 13. Tickets are $20. Information: 419-243-9277.