Review: 'Let It Go' with the Engeman's THE FULL MONTY

In another hit for Long Island's John W. Engeman Theatre, Tony nominee The Full Monty delivers a lively production like its Broadway predecessor. This wonderful incarnation, directed superbly by Engeman newbie Keith Andrews, runs through March 5th at the gorgeous Northport venue. The musical, by Terrence McNally and David Yazbek based on the 1997 movie, centers on a group of steel workers who were laid-off from their job and we follow them trying to get back on their feet and overcome insecurities.

Each has their own story, but their goal is the same.

Jerry, portrayed excellently by Brent Michael DiRoma, is fighting to continue to see his son as Jerry hasn't paid child support in a while. Incidentally, Kyle Wolf, who portrays son Nathan, is a natural in the role with a great combination of hopefulness for his father yet discomfiture. Dave, portrayed charmingly by Ryan G. Dunkin, seeks to overcome body-image issues and be a more attentive husband to Georgie strongly portrayed by Nicole Hale. Harold Nichols, the guy's former supervisor portrayed by Peter Simon Hilton, is worried how his wife, Vicki, portrayed by Gaelen Gilliland, will react to him being unemployed because she REALLY likes their extravagant lifestyle. Malcolm MacGregor, portrayed endearingly by Spencer Glass deals with an elderly, overbearing mother as well as shyness. Ethan Girard, portrayed hilariously by Noah Bridgestock, is a young, simple man navigating life. And Noah "Horse" T. Simmons, portrayed excellently by Milton Craig Nealy, is trying to keep busy in retirement.

Once Jerry and Dave realize how fervent their wives (and the rest of the town) react to a touring male strip-show revue, they recognize this is how they can at least start mending their lives. They put together their own Chippendales-esque show (with a twist!) with the help of sassy pianist Jeanette Burmeister portrayed by show-stopper Diane Findlay in a performance that leaves the audience in absolute stiches. Additionally, Kate Marshall is stellar as Jerry's estranged wife Pam.

The entire Broadway caliber cast is truly extraordinary with spot on comedic timing at every turn.

Another highlight is the innovative set designed by DT Willis. At first we see a moody, grungy ambiance fitting to the guys beyond frustrated mood collecting unemployment for so long and nothing is being done by their union. Movable pieces flow seamlessly to bring us to different locations throughout the production. This is enhanced cleverly by Doug Harry's lighting and Tristan Raines' stunning costumes.

And so, the Engeman's The Full Monty is indeed a must see for the season. And to clarify, even though there are intense moments, the outnumbering - and endless - hilarious moments will certainly leave you smiling.

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The Full Monty is presented by the John W. Engeman Theatre of Northport, Long Island, through March 5th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com

Book by Terrence McNally, Score by David Yazbek, Produced by Richard T. Dolce, Directed by Keith Andrews, Choreography by Antoinette DiPietropolo, Musical Direction by ANDREW HAILE AUSTIN, Set Design by DT Willis, Costume Design by Tristan Raines, Lighting Design by Doug Harry, Sound Design by LAURA SHUBERT, Casting by GAYLE SEAY and SCOTT WOJCIK of Wojcik/Seay Casting, Hair and Wig Design by EMILIA MARTIN, Props Design by TONIANNE DIFILIPPO, Stage Management by Denise Wilcox, Assistant Director/Choreographer is VINCENT ORTEGA, Assistant Stage Manager is Kristie Moschetta

Starring Brent Michael DiRoma as Jerry Lukowski, Ryan G. Dunkin as Dave Bukatinsky, Peter Simon Hilton as Harold Nichols, Spencer Glass as Malcolm MacGregor, Noah Bridgestock as Ethan Girdard, and Milton Craig Nealy as Noah "Horse" T. Simmons

Featuring Diane Findlay as Jeanette Burmeister, Gaelen Gilliland as Vicki Nichols, Nicole Hale as Georgie Bukatinsky, and Kate Marshall as Pam Lukowski

With Trevor Dorner, Lexi Lyric, Suzanne Mason, Alexander Molina, VINCENT ORTEGA, NYGEL DEVILLE ROBINSON, JAMES D. SCHULTZ, Wayne Shuker, Jennifer Collester Tully and Kyle Wolf

Photo by Genevieve Rafter-Keddy; Ryan G. Dunkin, Peter Simon Hilton, Noah Bridgestock, Spencer Glass and Milton Craig Nealy

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