Review: Baring it All in The Ziegfeld Theater's THE FULL MONTY

Belly laughs, scandal, harmonies, hilarity and camaraderie abound in the Ziegfeld Theater's rendition of The Full Monty.

THE FULL MONTY, (Book by Terrence McNally, Music and Lyrics by David Yazbeck), is based on the motion picture of the same name, in which a group of steelworkers who are laid off from the factory are forced to find a new way to make ends meet.

It may be a little...unconventional...but the group of jovial men manage to pull together a one-night-only performance at their local male review to try to bring in some dough.

Directed by University of Utah theater professor, Hugh Hanson, the show "exposed" the raw talent of several singers, actors and...dancers, in the Salt Lake community.

In the role of Jerry, Jeremy R. Gross' portrayal of a deadbeat ex-husband with a soft spot for his young son Nathan, played by Declan McAlhany, was honest and entertaining. With outstanding vocal talent, he captivated the lively crowd at the Ziegfeld with both his somber and satirical numbers.

Crowd favorite, Jeannette, the quirky old woman helping out "the boys" with their big number, was played by Camille Van Wagoner. She had the audience in stitches with her well-delivered one-liners and 1980s-reminiscent wind suit.

The relationship between characters Georgie and Dave, a loving couple who find themselves struggling in their marriage due to the circumstances of Dave's job (or lack-thereof) and personal issues with his appearance, is captured effortlessly by actors Caleb Parry and Morgan Parry. Perhaps the love and support they ultimately find in one another is so believable because the two are in fact, married in real life.

The adorably entertaining men who made up the rest of the Full Monty showmen all bared more than their souls in this performance. The characters of Harold, Horse, Ethan, and Malcolm, played by Shaun Carr, Carlos Emjay, Tommy John Holt, and Nick Morris, respectively, were easy to love. From song delivery to choreography to acting chops, these gentlemen definitely had...the goods.

The entire cast was clearly well-versed in the musical theatre world. Their talent was endless, their enthusiasm for the show was palpable and their willingness to take on such bold, brave roles was inspirational.

The packed house was uproarious with laughter and applause at the close of the show, only to be treated to an extra dose of excitement when the show ended.

Actor Jeremy R. Gross invited his boyfriend on stage after curtain call to express his thankfulness to the crowd for the man who inspires him and loves him so well. He then knelt down, ring in hand, and proposed. His boyfriend appeared to be both shocked and delighted and the entire room erupted in thunderous applause when he said yes.

Love was definitely in the air on the show's closing night at the Ziegfeld, both onstage and off, and the cast's joy was contagious.

While THE FULL MONTY'S run at the Ziegfeld may be over, you can still catch this outstanding cast and show at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City through June 3!

The Ziegfeld still has plenty to offer this season, with upcoming shows The Who's Tommy, running June 15-30, Oliver! August 10-Sept. 1, The Addams Family Oct. 12- Nov. 3, and rounding out the year with A Fairly Potter Christmas Carol Nov. 30-Dec. 22! Call the box office for more information or to purchase tickets: 855-944-2787.

Photo Credit: L-R Tommy John Holt, Shaun Carr, Caleb Parry, Jeremy R. Gross, Nick Morris, Carlos Emjay

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