Steadstyle Chicago
	July 2008 Theatre Review by Joe Stead
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com The Full Monty Critical Evaluation: *** out of **** The musical version of "The Full Monty" has played the Chicago area several times, which leaves one question in approaching the Marriott Theatre's latest production.  How would they handle the show's scantily-clad striptease finale in-the-round?  This is Lincolnshire after all, not Bailiwick.  But with some iridescent G-strings, black light and tasteful staging by Director/Choreographer Marc Robin, the six gentlemen performing the number are allowed to retain their dignity.  Despite its suggestive title, this musical, based on the British sleeper film of the same name, was never really about genitalia anyway.  It's about self-esteem and camaraderie, and these are the values that hold up anywhere. Robin's production is solid and entertaining, nothing near the thrilling spellbinder that the Marriott had in their recent arena-size "Les Miserables," but quite enjoyable on its own merits.  Author Terrence McNally and songwriter David Yazbek effectively moved the original British setting of the film to blue-collar Buffalo, New York, where the closing of a local steel factory leaves more than one unemployed worker singing the blues.  We see the effects of desperation on six down on their luck, average guys, the need to provide for themselves and their families, and most importantly to be able to hold their heads up as men.  The answer to the financial woes seems ridiculously simple, in a twist on the old Mickey and Judy flicks of putting on a show.  The clincher here is that they're going to be dropping trou and going for "The Full Monty" (i.e. complete nudity).  The bonds that develop as the guys work to overcome their nerves and physical imperfections are hilarious and occasionally moving.  What loving dad couldn't relate to Jerry's wistful declaration of love for his 12-year-old son, or chubby Dave's plaintive ode to his belly, "You Rule My World," or the heart-rending anthem of solidarity, "You Walk With Me".  There are plenty of laughs in "Big Ass Rock" (about assisted suicide of all things), the rousing "Big Black Man," and the lively "Michael Jordan's Ball," the latter showcasing Marc Robin's patented choreographic imagination.  And for a dose of familiarity, we have Marriott mainstay Alene Robertson, with her foghorn voice and broad command of the stage in the memorable comic supporting role of wizened piano accompanist Jeanette. With its adult language, sexual innuendo and light vulgarity, "Monty" is a bit risqué for the traditionally conservative Marriott, although the elderly audience did rise to its feet at the Saturday matinee I attended.  That is certainly evidence that the six leading men certainly have and deliver "the goods" to make this feel-good show a winner.  Former Chicagoan KC Lupp returns to the Marriott stage after a more than 9 year absence as regular guy and desperate dad Jerry Lukowski.  Joe Coots is endearing as his overweight buddy Dave.  Broadway veteran Milton Craig Nealy is dazzling as the "Big Black Man" nicknamed Horse, with a bit of an inferiority complex.  Michael Gerhart is the prissy M.B.A. and dance teacher Harold who is too embarrassed to admit he can no longer support his socialite wife's luxurious lifestyle.  Stephen Schellhardt is sweetly goofy as the depressed mama's boy Malcolm, and buff Jason W. Shuffler is the studly but vacuous Ethan.  Schellhardt and Shuffler score the show's musical highlight in the extremely moving and beautifully rendered "You Walk With Me".  Outstanding support is offered by the sensational Abby Mueller as Dave's love-stared wife Georgie, and by personable young Matthew Levy as Jerry's supportive 12-year-old son Nathan.  And while "The Full Monty" of the title is a bit of a deceptive tease, Scott Alan Jones does score in the eye candy department as a professional gay stripper.  "The Full Monty" is delightful summer entertainment at the Marriott.  "The Full Monty" continues through September 21, 2008 at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire.  The musical runs 2 hours 30 minutes with intermission.  Performances are Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  With the purchase of a $55 ticket on Wednesdays and Thursdays, dinner in either Kings Wharf or Fairfield Inn restaurants is included.  This special offer is based on dining availability. All other performance ticket prices are $45.00, excluding tax and handling fees.  A $5.00 discount for students and seniors is valid on Wednesday and Sunday matinee performances. Dinner packages for Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances are available for an additional $40.00 per person at King’s Wharf and $30.00 at Fairfield Inn.   Free parking is available at all performances.  To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.marriotttheatre.com.