The Full Monty – The Musical

That’s right folks! It’s starts today at the Centaur Theatre. I just recently watched the movie to get a recap and wow, I’m  very excited to see the magic happen on stage. I have done my share of musical plays in high school and don’t let the fact that because it was high school, the production value was low. Nah man I was a dancer in Grease and  in Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat and I played in the cello in the orchestra for Beauty and the Beast. It was some of the best times I had in high school. I learned quickly that putting a play together is tough.  From sound to props to the timing and the lights  and then the talent… There’s a lot of of work and coordination to be done and it takes a strong team to make it happen.

Beautiful City Theatre is that strong team that has taken on this project to bring you this classic motion picture to life.  Directed by Calli Armstrong, here are the players behind the scenes. The creative team includes costume design by Kelly O’Toole, lighting design by Chloé Fortier and set design by Elyse Malo. Add Musical Director Joy Kertland, Artistic Producer Natalie Gershtein, a Production Manager, Todd Hirtle, and Calli Armstrong as Artistic Director, you have the foundation of a great theatre company ready to produce.  Due to being sick and too busy, I wasn’t  able to get my interview with Calli Armstrong so I’ll ask her two questions right here.

What was the most challenging task you had during the production of the play?

Can I expect a grand finale like in the movie?

I hope to see you after the Saturday matinee show.

Based on the book Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by David Yazbek. The dance music arrangements that I can’t wait to see are done by Zane Mark, orchestrations by Harold Wheeler and vocal and incidental music arrangements by Ted Sperling. You can go online and buy your tickets from the Centaur Theatre,  453 St. François-Xavier, Old Montreal, right here. Prices vary from 20$ for students, 25$ for seniors, QDF and Equity members and 35$ is general admission. Call 514-288-3161 for more information.

Here are the show dates:

Thursday January 30, 2014 at 7:30pm
Friday January 31, 2014 at 7:30pm
Saturday February 1, 2014 at 2:00pm
Saturday February 1, 2014 at 7:30pm

“THE FULL MONTY follows a group of unemployed, crestfallen steelworkers. Lost and in need of a quick way to make cash, the group works together to develop and perform a male striptease act, also picking up self-esteem, hope and the power of friendship along the way. On this heartwarming and hilarious journey, the group band together to overcome their fears and anxieties, all the while tackling struggles with body image, parenthood, discrimination, and self-acceptance. (Mature Content, 18+)

BCT’s latest production aims to explore the objectification of men and women, and assumptions about body image, gender roles, aging, mental health, and the rights of single parents. In preparation for the rehearsal process, the cast participated in discussions of ‘safe space’ and workshops focused on ensemble building and movement. To reach a deeper understanding of the journey of their characters, the cast also took on the role of “choreographer” for all the dance numbers in the show.”

So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, here’s a great option for culture and laughter.  Go to Beautiful City Theatre for more information or check out the Facebook event.

See you there

Jo