Review: The Full Monty

After the well-received dramatic comedy Plaza Suite, interACT Theatre Productions steps out and bares all in the crowd-pleasing musical The Full Monty, which opened last weekend at the Baird Theatre in South Orange.

The musical is about six unemployed mill workers in Buffalo, New York, who decide try to make some quick cash by taking off their clothes. It’s a classic underdog tale as the guys aren’t exactly male stripper material. (In fact, one of the actors is a former mayor of Maplewood!)

Erik Gaden, who most recently starred in interACT’s production of The Crucible, shines as the main character Jerry, a divorced dad behind in child support payments with the wild idea to go the Full Monty.

Jim Coe plays Jerry’s best friend, Dave, perfectly emphasizing Dave’s insecurities and endearing himself to the audience.

Ken Pettis, the former mayor, plays “Horse” and sends up a spirited salute to James Brown.

Daniel Jaffe delivers a touching solo, “You Walk With Me.” Noah Brendemuehl is willing to go all the way with an off-the-wall performance, while Walter Zimmerman, the judge in The Crucible, delivers another powerful performance for interACT.

Mike Cox delivers a fun performance as Keno the Chippendale, and Whitney Pillsbury is hilarious as an over-the-top Latin dance teacher.

Meg Gilbert lights up the stage as the street-wizened rehearsal pianist.

Tasha Williams and Elena Stremlin play the wives of the two male leads, while Madison Houck sings the scene-stealing “Life with Harold.”

Sam Mullaney, a Maplewood Middle sixth grader, plays Jerry’s son.

The cast features several interACT veterans, including Sally Jayne and Steven Gordon. Newcomers Heidi Hart, Ken Magos, Regine Riviere, Stephen Sigmund, and Maribeth Theroux also make their mark in this light-hearted fling.

Holland J. Jancaitis is the show’s music director, directing a band that adds the beat to the musical’s score. The song likely to be hummed as people exit from the theater is “Let It Go,” performed during the big stripping finale.

Director Nick Clarey places the other actors in the audience section to cheer the six men on -- and egg the audience to do the same. It worked as audience members gave the cast a standing ovation last weekend.

“One of the best community theater productions I have ever seen,” said one theatre-goer after last weekend’s performances. “And so much fun. Real laughs! Real touching storyline, real great band, although never seen, and delightful performances by all the guys.”

Tickets are $18 for adults; $15 for students (with ID) and seniors.

A special VIP pass for $25 is being offered, which includes reserved front row seating, Bachelorette Party Chocolate Goody Bag, and chance to be the lucky lady who joins Keno on-stage during his strip.

Purchase tickets online by clicking here or at the Box Office at The Baird (third floor), one hour before performances.

More information is available at the interACT website.

The big question is, did they go all the way? Well, that would be telling. Until this weekend.

“The Full Monty” runs at The Baird Theatre, 5 Mead St., South Orange, with performances 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 17-May 18; with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19.