June 17, 2019
McLeod Summer Playhouse lets loose with ‘The Full Monty’
CARBONDALE, Ill. - McLeod Summer Playhouse (MSP) bares it all with “The Full Monty.” The cult-favorite film-turned-Broadway musical will continue MSP’s 2019 Professional Summer Season with performances June 21-23 and 28-30 in the McLeod Theater at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Tickets are on sale now by visiting events.siu.edu or by calling (877) 725-8547.
‘Let it go’
Before there was Elsa, there was a group of blue-collar men from Buffalo on the road to self-discovery (in more ways than one). Based on the British film of the same name, “The Full Monty” is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the highly-anticipated closing number where the six men learn how to truly “Let It Go.”
While spying on their wives at a “Girls’ Night Out,” a group of unemployed steelworkers sees how much the women enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out-of-work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold way to make some quick cash.
As they conquer their fears, the men discover that they’re stronger as a team, and the strength they find in each other gives them the individual courage to go “The Full Monty.”
With music and lyrics by Tony Award Winner David Yazbeck (“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Tootsie”) and book by Tony Award Winner Terrence McNally (“Master Class,” “Ragtime,” “Love! Valour! Compassion!”), The Full Monty is rich with show-stopping music and heart-wrenching relationships.
It was nominated for nine Tony awards, including Best Musical, when it shimmied its way onto Broadway in 2000.
Professional talent
Bringing this endearing story to life is MSP’s Managing Artistic Director, J. Thomas Kidd.
“Anyone who knows me knows that this is my favorite musical play,” Kidd said. “It is such an inspirational and rowdy celebration of the power of friendship, told with such humor and empathy, and of course one of the most hilariously triumphant final moments conceived.”
In addition to Kidd, the artistic team includes music direction by Jenna Mee Dosch and Kevin A. Smith, co-choreography by Katelin Coursey, scenic design by Ronald Naversen, costume design by Jen Gillette, lighting design by Michael Frohling, and sound design by Jerome Veit.
The cast of “The Full Monty” is comprised of professional actors from New York City, Chicago, and across the country. The cast includes Jeffrey Salsbury as Jerry, Katelin Coursey as Pam, Gavin Carnahan as Dave, J. Morgan Shaffo as Georgie, Josh Kimball as Malcolm, Devin Bowles as Horse, Derek Brookens as Harold, Danae DeShazer as Vicki, and Lyndsay Manson as Jeanette.
Rounding out the cast in various ensemble roles is Samantha Barboza, Bryce Beliveau, Brooke Bucher, Julia Cicero, Hunter Cole, Kalyn Glover, Jordyn Kess, Jakob Sommers, Amanda Talor, and Mainya Xiong. Also featured and making his professional debut is local young actor, Drayke Cralley as Nathan.
SIH Medical Group generously sponsors the MSP Summer Season.
Tickets available now
Performances will take place in SIU’s McLeod Theater, located in the Communications Building, 1100 Lincoln Drive.
Catch “The Full Monty” on the following performance dates:
- 7:30 p.m. on June 21, 22, 28, and 29.
- 2 p.m. on June 23 and 30.
General admission prices are $30 for adults, $10 for children and $14 for students.
Tickets are available by phone, online, in person or by mail:
- Online at events.siu.edu.
- By phone at 877-SALUKIS (877-725-8547).
- In person at the SIU Arena (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or McLeod Theater box office (noon-4:30 p.m.) Monday through Friday when the university is in session.
- By mail through the SIU Ticket Office, Lingle Hall - Mail Code 6620, 1490 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901.
Some fees may apply. Purchase tickets for individual events or take advantage of multiple subscription options.