The Full Monty wants to bear it all but sometimes struggles to give up the goods

The Full Monty – Skylight Music Theatre

Funny and oftentimes cheeky, the musical blends a narrative about class, gender, sexuality, and sex with songs about maleness, feminism, suicide, and…Michael Jordan? And for the most part, it works. With a solid cast led by Dan DeLuca and competent direction from director-choreographer James Gray, The Full Monty only occasionally falls victim to the relative lightweight fluff and flagging pacing of Terrance McNally’s book. Songs from David Yazbek, while similarly lightweight are at least fun enough to keep toes tapping, even if they don’t stick with you for very long after. 

Standout performances from Karen Estrada and Nathan Marinan, as struggling couple Georgie and Dave, anchor the production, giving wonderfully consistent, dynamic performances. 

The effervescent Janet Metz, marvelously wry Jan Neuberger, and swaggeringly smooth Lee Palmer all gave particularly delightful turns, each with their own big numbers drawing plenty of laughter and applause. 

After 579 days dark, The Skylight Music Theatre’s return is a little bumpy, sure, but it wears its heart on its sleeve and its g-string on the floor; and we’re all cheering for that.

Reviewed by Elisa Karbin

Skylight Music Theatre performs “The Full Monty” Sept. 24-Oct. 17 at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. 

Skylight recommends audience members be 15 and older; the show includes brief nudity. 

All patrons must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Masks required. 

For tickets and info, visit: skylightmusictheatre.org or call (414) 291-7800.