The Full Monty, playing until October 20th, features a bunch of hot guys taking off all of their clothing. All of it. Full nudity.
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What, you need more? I thought that would have been enough to get you to rush down and buy a ticket… if there are any left.
The Full Monty, written by Terrence McNally with score by David Yazbek, is based on the 1997 film of the same name. Debuting on Broadway in 2000, the show is a multiple Tony nominee and was a huge smash. Six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers, low on both cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives’ enthusiasm for a touring company of professionals. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness, and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.
Daniel Mallet, who plays Malcom in the show, sat down recently with GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine to discuss the show as well as his role, baring it all.
“There is such a buzz for this show, I talk about it and people get excited and have heard of the show. It is kind of crazy. They have sold a lot of tickets in advance, there are shows that are sold out already. I am sure we are going to get a lot of women and a lot of the gay guys coming to the show. I mean, naked guys, come on.”
This is the second show for Mallet with Ground Zero Theatre/Hit and Myth productions, who last year produced the incredible Urinetown. Many of the outstanding talents from that show return for The Full Monty.
“I feel blessed to be with this group of people, who are freaking talented. The company does daring things, like Urinetown and The Full Monty. I am very proud to be part of this company’s shows.”
However the fact remains that these guys are getting naked, in front of a full theatre including friends and family. A daunting task for anyone who isn’t drunk, and one that certainly caused pause for the actors. Besides hoping that the theatre isn’t cold, we asked Daniel how he prepared to go all the way.
“When I first read the e-mail and the title ‘Full Monty’ I was like ‘Oh god… really?’ I mean you have to grab that opportunity, how often are you going to get one like this. It is so much fun and so well written and the music is just great. I had the CD soundtrack for three years and didn’t listen to it, so when I got the show I listened to it and it was like ‘wow, why didn’t I listen to this sooner?’ It is so warm and touching and uplifting and the second act is a tearjerker,” he said. “I think what calmed me down and eased my mind is that I saw a performance that a friend of mine did at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. She was Eve and nude for the first third of the show. After the show she told me it was very freeing, and that made me a lot more comfortable with it. I was the first person to do the Full Monty during rehearsal and I must say it was a bit freeing. I hope the lighting crew is on spot with their cues! It is nerve-wracking the thought of being nude but I am getting more comfortable with it.”
Just about every theatre company in the city is offering a musical performance this year. Calgary seems to love musicals whether a national touring production or on a smaller scale. Daniel has long been a musical fan, and I am sure speaks for many of us when he said why he loves them.
“I fell in love with musicals in high school and haven’t looked back. They are an addiction. I want to listen to the newest shows, there is so much emotion in them and they make me feel so many things. When I find one that I can really connect with I just hope I get to do it some day. Even if I can just sing it, even at home if it is an uplifting one it will lift my mood and, if it is sad you live through it too. I love connecting with it.”
The other appeal of The Full Monty is the heart of the story. It truly is an uplifting tale about people overcoming the odds, such as Daniel’s character Malcolm.
“He is struggling with a secret, which I am not going to give away. He is very lonely, doesn’t have many friends. He connects finally and finds friends, after being held back by his mother, because she had a disease and he had to take care of her from the age of 16. A lot of the show is about owning yourself, who you really are. Without exception every single one of the characters has to overcome a struggle to own themselves. It’s inspirational, it really is. It’s about owning who you are, overcoming your insecurities and letting it go.”
Ground Zero/Hit and Myth productions presents
The Full Monty
October 2nd – 20th, 2007
The Grand Theatre
608 – 1st Street SW
www.atthegrand.ca
