MUSIC AL REVIEW
They'll be 'your [not so] Private Dancer(s)'
by KARL SCHEITHEIR Entertainment Page Editor
It's easy to shed some clothes during this summer's sweltering heat, but to go totally naked in front of a

"thousand" people you know? Nobody knows how to do this better than the cast of "The Full Monty," on stage now through Aug. 20 at Artpark.

What happens when the economy goes sour and men are out of work? Well if you're Jerry Lukowski (Rob Richardson), an unemployed steelworker, you devise a bold plan to make some money. He gets five of his unemployed friends to strip - promising the gals from Buffalo the 'Full Monty.' The problem? Well, let's just say they're not quite the Chippendales material.

Based on the 1997 Oscar-nominated British film "The Full Monty," writer Terrence McNally moved the setting from Sheffield, England, to Buffalo because he felt he needed to bring it closer to home for American audiences. And after all, the two cities are really quiet similar.

The musical is about six ordinary guys working as a team to help a friend in need of quick cash, and in the process, build up their own self-esteem.

The plot balances comedy with real issues, as each of the men has a problem to deal with. One character is battling for the custody of his son, another is hiding his unemployment from his high-living wife, and another suffers from weight issues.

Various former co-workers perform a strip-tease for Jerry and Dave for their audition. However, Tyrone Grant as "Horse" simply lights up the stage with his performance, and was met with loud cheering from the crowd. The song "Big Black Man" and his dancing were both impressive.

It is only natural that Lukowski, Dave Bukatinsky (Todd Horman), Harold Nichols (Tom Owen), Noah "Horse" T. Simmons (Grant), Malcolm MacGregor (Louis Colaiacovo) and Ethan Girard (Robert J. Cooke) all struggle against the realities of a depressed economy to become viable working men again. However, as the men practice, doubts continue to creep in about whether this is the best way to make some money because of their individual insecurities over their own appearances.

The production marks the return to Artpark of director and choreographer Lynne Kurdziel-Formato - and she does a fine job.

"The Full Monty" opened on Broadway to rave reviews in October 2000 and gathered 10 Tony nominations. The production has something for everyone, from a catchy pop score and dance numbers to the sometimes funny, but all too familiar story of a depressed economic rust belt city.

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

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

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