RECOMMENDED
It’s not easy to find shows that are the perfect fit for the peculiarities of Marriott’s square theater-in-the-round configuration that also appeal to its suburban base audience, but “The Full Monty” is a bull’s eye in virtually every respect. Rather than try to shoehorn a big production that doesn’t really fit the space like last winter’s “Les Miserables, ” or the seemingly endless spade of inane new shows that Marriott keeps churning out, “The Full Monty” benefits from its show-within-a-show concept of six unemployed factory workers who end up as male strippers by using Marriott’s audience as the audience for the rehearsals and striptease. Director and choreographer Marc Robin keeps the action fast and furious and allows the cast to scratch below the surface of this work to reveal credible and multi-dimensional characters. I fully expected to see the usual suspects of smiling Disneyfied song and dance folks that tend to over-populate Marriott productions but instead, very ordinary—and indeed, dare I say, even drab-looking—folks were cast, which makes the comedy of the show as these guys start to learn their art, all the more funny. (Watch for the luxurious casting of showbiz veteran Arlene Robertson in an hysterical portrayal of a pianist/rehearsal coach who has seen it all.) But the show has its touching moments as well, particularly the father and son relationship that is played out with just enough pathos by KC Lupp and Matthew Levy to make us believe that there is some dignity behind what these guys are doing. The show is cutting-edge enough to keep the kids interested but just enough is not shown to keep grandma awake but not get her blue-rinse bun in a knot. (Dennis Polkow)
At Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, (847)634-0200. Through September 21. $45.
Related Stories
Things Could Be Better ‘Round Here: A Review of The Full Monty at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Theo Ubique christens their new home in Evanston with a production that shows just how far they haven't come.- A Winter's Worth of Discontent: A Review of Richard III at Eclectic Full Contact Theatre While there’s no more cautionary character for our day in the Shakespearean canon, gimmicky anachronism is no substitute for theatrical vision and professionalism.
- End Time: A Review of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at Eclectic Full Contact Theatre Stephen Adly Guirgis' play wrestles with the motivations behind Christianity's greatest betrayal.
- Shake a Spear: A Review of Something Rotten! at Marriott Theatre In its regional premiere, this 2015 Tony Award-winning musical comedy takes aim at the Bard himself.
- A New Day For An Old Favorite: A Review of Oklahoma! at Marriott Theatre Marriott Theatre whips fresh wind into Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic.
- A Night of Pride: A Review of Ragtime at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire Marriott Theatre's production of "Ragtime" is a stunning spectacle grounded in social realities.
