Artpark bares it all for 'The Full Monty'

Pictured, front: Lou Colaiacovo; back, left to right: Tyrone Grant, Tom Owen, Rob Richardson, Bobby Cooke, Todd Horman

It's easy to shed some clothes during this summer's sweltering heat. Nobody will know better than the cast of "The Full Monty," on stage from Aug. 10-20 at Artpark.

Six unemployed, Buffalo steelworkers devise a bold plan to make some money and help a friend in need - minus their clothes.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Aug. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, and 2 p.m. Aug. 13, 17 and 20.

The production marks the first presentation of "The Fully Monty" at the Lewiston venue, and the return of director and choreographer Lynne Kurdziel-Formato.

Prior to Kurdziel-Formato's relocation to Elon College in North Carolina, she had directed more than a dozen shows at Artpark, including "Oklahoma!" and "Fiddler on the Roof."

Before hitting Broadway, four-time Tony Award-winning writer, Terrence McNally, adapted the screen hit for the stage and added his own brand of American comedy.

To help make the narrative feel closer to home, McNally moved the setting to Buffalo - and his version took both London and Broadway by storm.

"The Full Monty" has been nominated for 10 Tony Awards. The musical is based on the international film of the same name.

The cast includes Lou Colaiacovo, Tyrone Grant, Tom Owen, Rob Richardson, Bobby Cooke, Todd Hormon and others.

Although there is no real nudity in the production at Artpark, the story's content makes it age-appropriate for those 16 and older.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call the box office at 754-4375 or visit the Artpark Web site at www.artpark.net.