Paul goes Behind the Curtain with the cast of The Full Monty currently playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora through October 6th. This very fun musical was a hit on Broadway and the national tour. Now, the story of a group of out of work blue collar workers who decide they need to make some quickly to support their families so they may as well put on a one-night only strip show is pleasing audiences with its great cast and fabulous musical score by David Yazbek.

Joining in the conversation is Ben Mayne (who plays main character Jerry; an out of work father who fears he will lose his son from the financial hardship), Jackson Evans (playing plant supervisor Harold who hides his unemployment from his high maintenance wife), Bernard Dotson (who plays Horse a man who struggles with family issues of his own and who leads a lonely life), Adam Fane (playing Malcolm who cares for an aging parent and is being taken over by his own loneliness which may get the best of him), Diego Vasquez Gomez (playing Ethan a happy-go-lucky type who also needs to work and has some relationship surprises waiting for him), and Liz Pazik (playing the show biz old timer rehearsal pianist Jeanette who takes the “kids” under her wing to get them ready for their big night).

Not only is the show great fun, but the cast is a blast to chat with as they share insights into the production process…how tough is it to expose yourself on stage? And how do these characters interact to learn and grow with each other to find a way to handle all the stress that life has put upon them in different ways?

The Full Monty plays through October 6th and tickets can be purchased at: www.paramountaurora.com or by calling the box office: 630.896.6666.

Paul’s review of the show:

“Full Monty is The FULL Joy”!

Review by Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain, WGNRadio.com

****/4; VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The Full Monty was a hit film, fabulous Broadway and touring production, and now commands the stage at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. What great news because the grand stage, the fabulous cast and sets and critically important orchestra (because the David Yazbek score requires a top notch orchestra) hit exactly the right chord for grand success.

One might think that 6 ordinary guys whose dire financial straits leads them to put on a strip show for the community might not be funny, touching or impactful. And you’d be wrong. The show is much more than that plot suggests. It’s about family, friendship, loyalty, pride and so much more. And perfectly cast, we want this group to succeed. And while they may not meet Chippendale standards, what they put out is so much more….they offer warmth, charm and hey, they’re not so bad to look at after all. Turns out, surface looks don’t go nearly as far as what’s inside…and these guys are filled with the Full charm!

It’s a show not to be missed…. I’ve seen it many times since its Broadway opening, and I will assuredly see it again!

It’s the Full Fun night out!!