The stalwart Marriott Theatre subscribers will be in for a BIG surprise when they get a look at the latest production of the wonderfully entertaining musical The Full Monty. Based on the 1997 Academy Award nominated British film about 6 recently unemployed factory workers who decide to strip and bare it all to raise some quick cash so they can support their families, the musical was a semi-hit on Broadway, (with the amazing Patrick Wilson in the lead) and has gone on to be a huge success on tour and in regional theatre productions, including the Drury Lane Water Tower in 2005.

The Full Monty boosts a hilarious yet poignant book by Terrence McNally and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) provides the catchy pop rock score and lyrics. For the musical incarnation, all the basic characters of the film are in place, however McNally smartly moves the action from England to Buffalo and by doing so, makes the story of laid off factory workers more relatable for American audiences.

The Full Monty centers around Jerry Lukowski (KC Lupp), a misunderstood father who is given two weeks to pay back alimony or he will loose shared custody of his son. With the help of his good-meaning, overweight buddy Dave Bukatinsky (Joe Coots), Jerry decides to put on a one night only male strip show with an unlikely crew, drawing in the crowd by promising to give the audience a peak at the "full monty". Though the stripping aspect of the play gives the show its laughs, the backbone of the story is what these men muster up from the inside to do what's necessary in hard times.

Director/Choreographer Marc Robin has brought together some of the finest talent Chicago has to offer, including the irrepressible Alene Robertson as the cigarette smoking, scene stealing audition accompanist, Jeannette Burmeister as well as one of the strongest female ensembles seen in a very long time, headed by Sweet Charity's Summer Naomi Smart.

The Full Monty is only as good as the six leads, and it is in that capacity this Monty goes a bit limp. KC Lupp's portrayal of Jerry, though likeable enough, seems disconnected with the rest of the characters. This is most problematic with Jerry's relationship with his best friend Dave. What should be a natural quick and cutting dialogue between Jerry and Dave very often times becomes one dimensional and forced. The same is true of Lupp's relationship with his son (nicely played by Matthew Levy) where father-son emotions seem rehearsed and overplayed. Perhaps as Lupp gets more performances under his belt, these relationships will become a bit more real. Kupp's vocals were strained on opening night, however he did have a nice solo with the reflective 'Breeze Off The River'.

There are some wonderful performances from the guys including Mr. Coots who has the ability to instantly win the audience over with his easy going stage presence. Stephen Schellhardt (the best singer of the cast) totally embodies his Malcolm and coupled with the hilarious Jason W. Shuffler, the two make the number 'You Walk With Me' the finest moment of the production. Michael Gerhart is quite a grounding force as Harold Nichols, the guys' former boss, who also finds himself pink slipped. Gerhart is especially good in the scenes with his wife, Vicki, played by Chicago Shakespeare's immense talent Kymberly Mellen. Milton Craig Nealy gets to strut his stuff and use his booming baritone as 'Horse' and his number, 'Big Black Man' is expertly executed, though his character is least developed.

Mr. Robin's inventive, high octane choreography also serves this production well, especially with the testosterone laden "Michael Jordan's Ball"; and the sensational stripping finale, "Let It Go" which is more gratifying then even the Broadway production could boast.

Marriott's orchestra, under the musical direction of Bill Busch, has never sounded better. Crisp and clear with some excellent trumpet and horn solos, the sound improvements made during 'Les Mis' seem even better here.

Kudos must be given to the Marriott board for taking a giant leap in mounting this production. Nothing is cut from the original production (language included) and hopefully the subscribers will appreciate this important step that the theatre is taking in assuring the survival of the space by getting a new generation of subscribers as well as pushing the envelope for other suburban subscription houses to follow. The rousing opening night standing ovation is a sure sign the Marriott is going to be just fine.

The Full Monty runs through September 21, 2008 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Illinois. For tickets and show times, please visit www.marriotttheatre.com or call the box office at 847.634.0200.

Photo: Back to Front: Joe Coots (Dave), Stephen Schellhardt (Malcolm), Milton Craig Nealy (Horse), Michael Gerhart (Harold), Jason Shuffler (Ethan), and KC Lupp (Jerry)