'The Full Monty' at Village Players!

Ever wondered what happens when a group of six unemployed men decide to put on an amateur strip show to raise money? Find out this summer when they go The Full Monty at Village Players!

Six unemployed guys, low on both cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives' enthusiasm for a touring company of professionals. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness, and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.

"One of the reasons I chose to direct this show is that I saw the movie and thought it was so touching. You really felt for those guys and you found yourself rooting for them at the end to have the courage to do the Full Monty," says director Carl Occhipinti, Artistic Director of Village Players. "The mirror is up for us to look at where in our life we went to some extreme for someone we love."

Written by Tony-Award winning playwright Terrence McNally along with Tony and Grammy nominated composer David Yazbek, the production at Village Players features many familiar Chicago faces. Appearing as Georgie is Katherine Condit-Ladd, a Broadway veteran from the original cast of Chess as well as tours of Cats and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Also in the cast is Chuck Sisson as Dave, directly from Bailiwick's Jeff-nominated production of A Man of No Importance and Renardo Johnson as Horse, fresh from Porchlight's Jeff Award-winning production of Ragtime. Newcomer Tyler Dean makes his Village Players debut as Jerry.

The rest of the cast includes Laurie Marchese, Kamaran-Alexis Madison, Betty Scott Smith, Sam Buti, Kendal Lester, & Kelsi Karch from Chicago; Kathleen Goggin, ElizaBeth Fahey, Jimmy Sandoval, James Spangler, Patti Roeder, Kim Hoag & Tim Grover from Oak Park, Sean Hurtubise from Arlington Heights; and Guy Klinzing from Woodridge.

Working alongside Occhipinti are Music Director Allison Hendrix, Choreographer/Asst. Director Christopher Pazdernik, Lighting Designer Andrew Glasenhardt, Scenic Designer Lee Brasuell, Costume Designer Amanda Scholl, Props Designer Cassie Soliday, Sound Designer & Technical Director John List, and Stage Manager Breanna Smith-Sneed.
 
The Full Monty previews June 6 & 7 and runs from June 8 – July 13, 2008. Show times are 8 PM for all Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 PM for all Sundays. *There are no performances the weekend of July 4th.* Tickets for regular performances are $25 for adults and $20 for Students & Seniors. All tickets for previews are $15, and opening night tickets including reception are $30 for adults and $25 for Students & Seniors.
 
June 14th is a special fundraiser for the Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association. All Tickets are $40, including a reception with hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer one-hour prior to the performance.
 
Presented in the Mainstage Theatre of the newly renovated Village Players Performing Arts Center located at 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park, IL. Plenty of parking is available on the street. The theatre is handicap accessible; please call ahead to arrange for special seating.   Tickets available at www.village-players.org or by calling 866-764-1010.
 
Village Players Performing Arts Center offers an eclectic mix of entertainment that empowers and inspires while exploring the human condition.

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