“Honey…do they really take their clothes off??”

Well, it is the full monty, isn’t it? And anything can happen on stage right? But THE FULL MONTYis more the story of family and friends, a feel good celebration of devotion and camaraderie. Based on the wonderful and poignant movie and placed in the American city of Buffalo, New York this popular musical has as the story a kid and his dad at its heart.

Six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers, 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 Chippendales. One of them, Jerry, declares that their show will be better than the Chippendales dancers because they’ll go “the full monty” — strip all the way. The men need to win back their families and their self-esteem.

This rollicking, pop musical sizzles with heart as these six factory workers boldly bare it all to earn that money and their confidence. But more than just flesh is revealed when these blue collar men strip away their insecurities to forge a hilarious and unique bond that exposes the male viewpoint of acceptance, love, and the importance of communication.

Layered with a tightly woven storyline and numerous show-stopping musical numbers, this stage adaptation of the film garnered ten Tony Award nominations including Best Original Score and Best Musical.

“Seen” in the cast are Jose Rodriquez (Harold), Robb Ross (Malcom) and Zack Wasson (Dave) — straight from the EVITA company — with Mad Cow newcomerJay Becker (Jerry) and Clinton Harris (he’s called “Horse”) and Kent Altman (Ethan).

Their wives and girlfriends are handled by Suzanne Clark, Lesley Payne and another newcomer from Mad Cow Theatre,  Sarah Catherine Barnes.  Nancy Christyrepeats the role of Jeanette she took in the Lakeland Community Theatre production.

Ryland Marbutt plays Jerry’s son Nathan, and rounding out the cast are Larry Everhart,Danny Villnow, Heidi Thompson, Virginia Zechiel, Lauren West, Robin Davis, Chris Walsh, Jeremy Henry and Tina Sellars-Maldonado.

And… the “real” Chippendale dancer will be Gene Bastarache.

Katrina Ploof directs the action with Kevin Davis choreographing. Thom Altman is designing lights and John Coffey signs on as musical director. Stage manager is Jacob McKinnon.

At heart, a musical comedy, this is the most fun you can have when others take their clothes off. In fact, you may laugh so hard you can hardly “bare” it.

Thu-Sat, Oct 6-8, 7:30pm; Sun, Oct 9, 2:30pm

Box Office Information: Extended hours begin September 13, Tuesday-Saturday, 1pm-6pm, 1 1/2 hour prior to all curtain times and during intermission.  Contact us at (863) 294-SHOW (7469), TWHtickets@aol.com orTheatreWinterHaven.com.  Single tickets, exchanges and flex pass reservations may be made now for this or any Mainstage Production.