On July 14, 2005, a fire destroyed the auditorium
at the award-winning North Shore Music Theatre, forcing
management to shut down its production of "Cinderella"
and move its upcoming productions of "Abyssinia"
and "Camelot" to Boston's Shubert
Theatre.
However,
on November 1, NSMT will return to its renovated home in Beverly and
present an all new production of the musical comedy "The
Full Monty," created specifically for the unique theatre
in-the-round. Performances are set for November 1 - 20.
“Recovering from the fire and re-opening our doors in just over
3 months is truly a testament to the drive, determination and passion
of the entire staff and Board of Trustees at NSMT,” said Jon
Kimbell, Artistic Director and Executive Producer.
“I could not be more proud.”
"The Full Monty" is the funny but heartfelt story of six
unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, New York, who go to great lengths
to make some extra cash and help out a friend in trouble. When a local
male strip show – whose dancers venture down to their G-strings
– becomes a hit with the local women, the cash-strapped factory
workers figure they can really cash in if they go “the full
monty.” The buddies, desperate for self-respect, must overcome
their fears, their nerves, and their clothes for a shot at success.
With book by Tony Award winner Terrence
McNally ("Ragtime," "Kiss of the Spiderwoman")
and music and lyrics by composer David Yazbek ("Dirty
Rotten Scoundrels"), "The Full Monty," is
based on the record- breaking 1997 Academy Award-nominated hit film
of the same name.
Four-time Tony Award-winning writer McNally adapted the screen hit
for the stage while adding his own unique brand of American comedy
to the story. “The show is about friendship, about being a parent,”
said McNally. “It’s also about an image-obsessed society
that says you have to look like Brad Pitt. This show says quite the
opposite. It celebrates everybody for exactly who they are.”
Composer David Yazbek, winner of the 2001 Drama Desk Award,
explains, "The Full Monty," is a sports story. It’s
not about stripping. It’s a bunch of guys who get together and
form a team. There are ups and downs, and, in the end, they win.”
The men of "The Full Monty" will be Sebastian Arcelus,
Craig Bennett, George Dvorsky, Bill English, Milton Craig Nealy and
Darren Ritchie.
The production will also feature Beth Beyers, Susann Fletcher,
Christian Johansen, Merle Louise and Deborah Tranelli.
Rounding out the 21 member cast will be Michael Scott Harris,
Charis Leos, Colleen Longshaw, Leo Nouhan, Dan Puck, Rommy Sandhu,
Daniel Spiotta, Sarah Stiles, Jennifer Taylor and
Nick Wishnatzki.
North Shore Music Theatre has also scheduled the
following free events for "The Full Monty:"
Tuesday, November 8: Meet the Theatre
A post show audience discussion with the artists.
Sunday, November 13:
Spotlight on History
A free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to
the performance.
Thursday, November 17:
Out at the North Shore
An evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community, with a post show reception
Saturday, November 19: Meet
the Theatre
A post show audience discussion with the artists, following the 2
p.m. performance.
For tickets and information call 978- 232-7200 or
visit www.nsmt.org.
