Meet The Cast

 The Full Monty

  The Musical
 

Book by Terrance McNally
Lyrics and Music by David Yazbek

 October 30- November 9, 2008

Director/Choreographer - Jason Fortner

Musical Director – Michael Raabe

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking
Now heaven knows, Anything Goes!
Good authors, too, who once knew better words
Now only use four-letter words writing prose, Anything Goes!

Cole Porter wrote these immortal lyrics nearly 75 years ago,  yet our sense of what is acceptable and what is not hasn’t changed all that much.

Of course, in discussing THE FULL MONTY people’s minds race to the most extreme scenarios, including notions of long lines of nude auditioners and wild, debauched rehearsals, none of which have actually happened.

In fact, doing a show like this makes everyone reassess and rethink their boundaries and personal sensitivities, and our sense of family and camaraderie is only increased. As directors, we’ve been acutely aware of giving each performer their space and time, as needed, to ease into the show’s unorthodox requirements.

The question is… Is this the most shocking show Francis Wilson Playhouse has ever done? On the surface …probably yes.

Is it stronger material than the average Hollywood film or cable TV show? Certainly not.

Of course, the REAL premise of the show is that the shock value of the actual “dance” is minimal, because if the show is done well, the audience should be cheering on the guys to go “the full monty” at the end of the play, having taken the journey with these six down and out guys and realized that “desperate times call for desperate measures.” With humor and oh-so-true scenarios, writer Terrence McNally and composer/lyricist David Yazbek have created a crowd pleasing musical that pays tribute to the hit British film while forging a new American sensibility.

But more importantly, keep in mind that the show is indeed an old fashioned musical comedy, filled with great new tunes performed by top notch singers and a great story of preserving family ties, fixing troubled relationships, and finding new connections as well. And isn’t that something we all can relate to?

Thanks to everyone involved for making this the hardest and most fun show I’ve ever done.

Get out your singles, ladies, the show is about to begin!

 Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)

Jerry Lukowski, out of work Dad-------------------------------- Jonathan Van Dyke

Nathan Lukowski, his son---------------------------------------------- Dalton Hamilton

Pam, his ex-wife----------------------------------------------------------------- Abby White

Dave Bukatinsky, his best friend------------------------------------------- Jay Morgan

Georgie Bukatinsky, Dave’s wife------------------------------------ Carolyne Weber

Harold Nichols, their former boss----------------------------------------- Jordy Hines

Vicky Nichols, his loving wife--------------------------------- Lorraine Montgomery

Malcolm MacGregor, a security guard---------------------------------- Steven Fox

Ethan Girard, auditioner --------------------------------------------------- Jason Osorio

Noah “Horse” Simmons, older/wiser--------------------------- Aaron Washington

Jeanette Burmeister, a pianist-------------------------------- Patricia Bates Smith

Estelle Genovese, Jerry’s fun buddy--------------------------------Jessica Bishop

Susan Hersey, co-worker---------------------------------------------------- Callie Gray

Joanie Lish, co-worker---------------------------------------------------- Ka-Rim  Troyli

Marty/Minister/Repo Man   ------------------------------------------ George Kolitsas

Gary/Repo Man 2/Sergeant  ---------------------------------------------- Rick Osorio

Buddy “Keno” Walsh, a pro--------------------------------------- Patrick O’Mahony

Reg/Teddy/Tony-------------------------------------------------------------- Dale Badway

 Produced under special arrangement with
Music Theatre International

Meet the Directors

Jason Fortner: Director/Choreographer - Jason has directed many musicals here at FWP, starting back with our very first musical Very Good Eddie.  Since then he has directed such FWP productions as Good News, Babes in Toyland, Dracula the Musical, Naughty Marietta, Rose Marie, She Loves Me, Meet Me In St. Louis, La Cage Aux Folles, How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Of Thee I Sing, Bells Are Ringing and others.  On stage he directed and played the title role in our production of Barnum.  Thanks to all who have supported him in local theatre these past 35 years.

Michael Raabe: Musical Director - Last seen onstage at FWP as Jeffrey Moss in Bells are Ringing, Michael is very excited to be musical directing his first show at this theatre (especially with such a nice group of people).  Originally from South Dakota, he has spent the past few years working for Busch Gardens (performer and vocal director), Royal Caribbean (featured vocalist), and Doreen Collier’s Event Show Productions (featured vocalist and vocal director/arranger).  Favorite roles include the Beast in Beauty and the Beast (EOT) and Frankie in Forever Plaid (Florida Tour). Special thanks to JF for this great opportunity and to a wonderfully talented cast (including some great old friends) for delivering “THE GOODS!” Much love to JW who truly RULES MY WORLD!

 Meet the Cast

 Dale Badway (Reg/Teddy/Tony) – An actor/producer in NYC, Dale is delighted to return to the wonderful stage of the Francis Wilson Playhouse.  Dale appeared in the very first musical production here, Very Good Eddie as well as Good News and the operettas Rose Marie and Naughty Marietta.  He was last seen in Thoroughly Modern Millie. 

Jessica Bishop (Estelle Genovese) – This is Jessica’s first production with Francis Wilson Playhouse, and she is very excited to be doing Monty again with such a talented cast and crew.  She previously played Pam in The Full Monty at MAD Theatre.  Other credits include Caitlin in Over The River and Through The Woods (WCP), Texas in Cabaret (EOT), and Eileen in Moon Over Buffalo (WCP).  When she is not acting, Jessica teaches preschool gymnastics.  Many thanks to Mom and Dad for their continuing support!

Steven Fox (Malcolm MacGregor) – Steven is proud to be back on the FWP stage after last season’s Thoroughly Modern Millie and Sweet Charity.  Most recently he was seen as Seymour in SPLT’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.  Other performances include EOT’s Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, and Urinetown, The Musical.  He would like to thank Jason and Michael for this wonderful opportunity and as always his Mom, Dad, and Nona for their constant love and support.

Callie Gray (Susan Hersey) – Callie works at the Sheraton Sand Key as a breakfast server.  She is on the board of trustees for City Players Inc., and sings with the Divas Delicious.  Thanks to Jason for the meaty part and to Patricia B.S. for being her inspiration to do theater, a lifelong dream.  Callie is honored to be sharing the stage with her again.  She would also like to thank this entire very gifted cast, Dianna and FWP for having the courage to show “the goods.”

Dalton Hamilton (Nathan Lukowski) – Dalton is again excited to be back at Francis Wilson Playhouse.  Some of his most recent credits include: Mame (EOT), Oliver (FWP) for which he won a 2006 Lary Award, and Francis Wilson, The Musical (FWP).  He would like to thank the cast, crew and Jason for this wonderful opportunity.  Let It Go!!

Jordy Hines (Harold Nichols) – Jordy’s favorite productions include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Torch Song Trilogy, So Long on Lonely Street, and Brigadoon.  Jordy teaches musical theatre at Black School of the Arts/Tampa, and enjoys spending time in his home in Italy whenever possible which is rarely these days).  Thanks to Steve for 25 years of support.

George Kolitsas (Marty/Minister/Repo Man) – George was last seen on FWP’s stage in Bells Are Ringing as Dr. Kitchell, the dentist.  Thanks to the very talented cast, Jason, Dianna and the crew and theatre staff.  ENJOY – LET IT GO!

Lorraine Montgomery (Vicki Nichols) – Lorraine is thrilled to be in The Full Monty for obvious reasons!  Last seen on the Francis Wilson stage in the hit musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, where she played the smart mouth secretary, Smitty.  Other favorite roles she’s played are Velma in Chicago, Charity in Sweet Charity, and Lola in Damn Yankees.  Lorraine is happy to be working with lifelong friends George, Patricia, Jason and her mom!

Jay Morgan (Dave Bukatinsky) - Jay is excited to make his FWP debut.  He started performing on stage in the early 90’s in North Carolina, and after graduating from Appalachian State University, moved to St. Petersburg to attend Stetson College of Law, but never really lost the acting bug.  His recent roles include WCP’s I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Audrey II in SPLT’s Little Shop of Horrors.  Jay would like to thank all his friends and family for their love and support.  Enjoy the show!

Patrick O’Mahony (Keno) – Patrick comes to us from County Kerry, Ireland.  He has been performing professionally all across the world in Irish dance shows for 10 years.  For the past five years Patrick has been performing with the O’Shea Irish Dance Company in the Irish Thunder and Emerald Beat shows at Busch Gardens in Tampa and Williamsburg, VA.  Now that the season has come to a close, he would like to venture out and experience the world of theatre.  A special thank you to my family in Ireland and my beautiful girlfriend, Brittany.

Jason Osorio (Ethan Girard) – This is Jason’s first play at Francis Wilson Playhouse, but he has been a participant in both Clearwater High School’s drama program and the Largo Cultural Center’s summer theatre program.  He has played everything from Daddy Warbucks in Annie Jr. to the villainous Montague Leech in Dark Deeds at Swan’s Place or Never Trust a Tattooed Sailor.  Jason is a student at SPC’s Clearwater Campus and hopes to do his last two years of college at UCF, where he plans to major in the theatrical arts.  He would like to thank his family, Jason Fortner and Joy Roche.

Rick Osorio (Gary/Repo Man 2/Sergeant) – Originally from Venezuela, Rick has lived in Clearwater since 1969.  He is married and has two children.  His son Jason is also in the show.  Rick has always wanted to act and perform.  This is first community theater experience, which he is enjoying, and plans to do more of in the future.

Patricia Bates-Smith (Jeanette Burmeister) – Patricia has participated in over 65 dramas, comedies and musicals in the Bay Area community and dinner theatres.  She has played Dolly in Hello, Dolly, Margot in Applause, Matron in Chicago, Kate in Broadway Bound, Mother Superior in Nunsense and Quizer in Steel Magnolias.  (And the list could go on ad nauseam!)  She is the recipient of five Lary Awards.  Love ya, Jason.  Let’s rock and roll!

Ka-Rim Troyli (Joanie Lish) –  Ka-Rim is still quite shocked and amazed that she is part of this fantastic group of people…thank you all!  Ms. Troyli has enjoyed working behind the scenes as well as on the stage.  Highest on her list of favorite roles are: Rizzo in Grease, Mary Magdalene in JCS, Back Up Girl in Twelfth Night Fever and most recently the Voice of Audrey II in SPLT’s Little Shop of Horrors.  Jason, thanks for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to be seen…not just heard!

Jonathan Van Dyke (Jerry Lukowski) – Jonathan is very happy to be working at FWP.  He grew up in Clearwater and lived in New York for 15 years.  NYC credits include Jesus in Godspell, and Schoolhouse Rock Live.  Favorite roles include Jamie in The Last 5 Years, Cosmo in Singin’ in the Rain, and Sparky in Forever Plaid.  He was in the long running I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and toured the country with Gennifer Flowers in Oh! Calcutta!.  Thanks to his family.

Aaron Washington (Noah “Horse” Simmons) – Aaron is proud to be making his debut on this stage with The Full Monty, having just completed the production in Tampa with MAD Theatre.  A seasoned performer, Aaron has been in numerous regional and professional productions throughout Ohio and Illinois.  He is currently a performer at Busch Gardens.  A recent transplant to Florida, some of his favorite shows he was involved with include Five Guys Named Moe, Six Degrees of Separation, Into the Woods, The Wiz, Pippin and Kwamina.

Carolyne Weber (Georgie Bukatinsky) – Carolyne is very excited to be in her second show at FWP.  Previously she could be seen in FWP’s Bells Are Ringing, MAD Theater’s The Life, EOT’s Urinetown, The Musical and Salerno Theater’s Don’t Hug Me.  She can also be seen during the holidays as part of Vocal Inc.’s Dickens Carolers.  She would like to thank Jason for his wonderful direction, Michael Raabe for his great encouragement and musical direction.  As always she would like to thank her family and husband, Frank, for all of their support.

Abby White (Pam) – Abby is excited to be playing Pam in her first production at FWP.  Originally from Indiana, she came to Tampa via Carnival Cruise Lines where she was a production singer for six years.  Other experience includes various theme parks and several bands in her constant pursuit of becoming a rock star.  As always, Abby would like to thank the Wednesday girls for their unending support!

Beth Clark: Stage Manager - Beth, a 4-year theatre veteran is happy to be making her first FWP production with Jason Fortner and the cast and crew of The Full Monty.  She has managed such shows as The Wizard of Oz, Biloxi Blues, Diary of Anne Frank, 2 by 2 and this summer’s South Pacific at Ruth Eckerd Hall. To the amazement of her theatre friends, Beth even came out of the dank recesses of the backstage area this spring to enjoy a moment in the spotlight as she co-starred in an original work by local playwright, Gidget Cross.  She thanks you all for your continued support and hopes you enjoy the show.

SPECIAL THANK-YOUS TO:

 Show Palace Theater

Tom Hanson

Angela Horner

Production Staff

 Director-------------------------------------------------------------------------- JasonFortner

Musical Director------------------------------------------------------------ Michael Raabe

Choreographer---------------------------------------------------------------- Jason Fortner

Costumes------------------------------------------------------------ Marylou Montgomery

Stage Manger---------------------------------------------------------------------- Beth Clark

Producer----------------------------------------------------------------------- Dianna Hanger

Lighting Design------------------------------------------------------------- Colleen Boylan

Lighting Tech----------------------------------------------------------------- Dianna Hanger

Sound Tech---------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt Barnes