“The Full Monty” reviewed by Amy Menzel/ Milwaukee

Highly Recommended **** It was great to return the Skylight’s Cabot Theatre, not only because it brings back memories of a wonderful first Valentine’s Day date with my now husband, but also because it’s one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres and opening night of The Full Monty marked the Skylight’s much-anticipated return to live theatre after 579 days. They went big with The Full Monty — a show big on both heart as well as humor.

It’s a story of men down on their luck, looking for a way — any way — to get their financial and personal lives back on track. Their plan? To produce and perform a special one-night show at the local strip club. The musical is a stage adaptation of the 1997 film of the same name. I saw the film back in the late nineties and, although I remember laughing, I don’t think teenage-me fully appreciated the hardships that led the characters to go the full monty. Middle-aged me can and does appreciate how the show embraces the complexities and nuances of life and relationships.

Skylight notes that the, “production contains adult themes, mature language, an attempted suicide, brief male nudity and haze,” and says it’s recommended for ages 15 and up. I would add that patrons who believe you can joke about anything are most likely to enjoy the show.

Saturday’s audience definitely enjoyed the show. Highlights included Janet Metz demonstrating her vocal prowess and ability to command the stage in “Life With Harold” in the first act. The same number also features notable comedic reactions from young Abram Nelson, who plays the lead’s young son and is witness to his dad’s audacious plan in action. Lee Palmer keeps the audience laughing as Noah “Horse” T. Simmons, performing “Big Black Man” as part of his audition to be a male dancer. And Jan Neuberger is a hit in the role of Jeanette Burmeister, a seasoned veteran of showbiz who uses her straightforward, no-nonsense attitude to coach/coax the amateur performers.

The fun continues in the second act, but so does a bit of dramatic action. As Macolm MacGregor and Ethan Girard, respectively, Joey Chelius and Jordan Arrasmith perform the touching number “You Walk with Me,” and Metz and Karen Estrada follow with beautiful performances of “You Rule My World (Reprise)” in the next scene. After pulling at heartstrings, the audience is ready for some laughter, and the cast is ready to oblige.

The show runs just under three hours, and the final number is worth the wait. Saturday’s house was eager to give the performance a standing ovation.

The Full Monty plays at the Skylights Musical Theatre’s Cabot Theatre and runs through October 17. In addition to weekend performances, there’s an early bird Tuesday performance on October 5 at 6:30 p.m., a 7:30 p.m. curtain on Wednesday, October 6 (with a special Insights session prior), and a production with American Sign Language on Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Theatre-goers should review the “Good to Know Before the Show” guide and the health and safety requirements aimed at ensuring the continuation of live performances.

The Skylight Music Theatre box office is located 158 N. Broadway and is open from noon until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Connect via phone at (414) 291-7800, email ​​tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org, or purchase tickets online by visiting www.skylightmusictheatre.org.

Season subscriptions are also available. Patrons can see three shows starting at $75 or all five productions for as low as $120.