The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

After seeing the Full Monty on opening night at the Orange Community Players Theater, I can concur with Codie Vasquez’s assessment that it would be rated PG13. It is adult content in nature; out of work steel workers decide to do a “one night only” strip show to raise money.

Nolan Thornal, playing the character of Malcolm, had said this production is done in very good taste. That is correct. There are brief exposures of “booty cheek” as stated in the disclaimer in the theater lobby and there is a warning label on the program cover stating it is not recommended for young audiences.

That being said, I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud at the antics of the “dancers” as they struggled to overcome their fears of taking it off, deal with issues they had about their bodies and try to learn a cohesive routine that showed them off to their best advantage.

The biggest laugh was every time “Malcolm” practiced his pelvis thrust. It was kind of like a mummy trying to break loose of its wrappings. Thornal really had fun with the character and I think Malcolm was my favorite in the show. That’s not saying there weren’t other notable characterization in the production; there were plenty. Tiffany Hughes did a great job at portraying Georgie Bukatinsky. I believe it is the first time I have seen her on stage. I liked Vasquez’s characterization of Jeannette Burmeister, the pianist that helped the dancers learn to strut their stuff. She was old show biz.

Another OCP favorite that has been away for a while was Eastwood Almazan. He played the All-American Dad, Jerry Lukowski. Another difference besides being Americanized, the English movie is now a musical too. It was just a fun show.

I want to give a special congratulations to ALL the dancers to have the courage to take the part. The other male dancers were portrayed by Zech Turk, Patrick Dennison, Matt Tonkovich and Cornell Thomas.

Director for the production was Brook Doss.

You’ve still got four chances to see the Full Monty at 7:37 p.m. on Oct. 25-27 and at 2:37 p.m. on Oct. 28.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. For reservations, or to purchase tickets, call 409-882-9137 or go online at www.orangecommunityplayers.com.

The theater is located at 708 W. Division Ave. in Orange across from the Orange County Court House.

Once again, this production is for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.