Calling all daring actors.
Nelson Repertory has produced more than 80 shows over the past 83 years but are taking on their most adventurous show, The Full Monty. So they are in need of some equally adventurous actors.
Made famous by the award-winning film of the same name, The Full Monty was adapted into a musical in 2000. It enjoyed a two-year run on Broadway before a season on London’s West End.
It follows the story of Jerry, an unemployed steel worker who, low on cash and prospects, decides to assemble a Chippendale-style troupe in what he thinks is a great ‘get rich quick’ idea.
What follows is an hilarious but also heart-warming tale that celebrates the renewal of self-esteem and the shared strength of mateship.
Director Bryan Aitken, has directed the production on three other occasions, the most recent in Blenheim in 2015, to rave reviews.
“It is one of my favourite musicals to direct, and the story is as relevant today as it was when it was written 20 years ago,” says Bryan. “The strip is only a small part of the journey, and the musical has been refashioned into a deeper, but also a more comedic version, of the movie.”
Despite the “strip scene” at the end of the movie, which stopped short of a complete strip by using discreetly placed hats, Bryan isn’t anticipating any trouble casting because of the humanity of the story. He also says that while it’s based around men, there are some great roles for women too.
Nelson Civic Choir conductor and former head of music for Nayland College, Chris Lukies, has taken on the role of musical director and has already set to work assembling an 11-piece jazz band for the show.
“I’m looking forward to being back in the theatre after a few years off. Theatre is my life,” Chris says.
Auditions are over the weekend of November 25 and 26.
To find out more or to reserve your place go to www.nelsonrepertory.org.nz/the-full-monty-auditions/
