The Full Monty – The Broadway Musical took to the stage at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre last night, following a highly successful season in Cape Town, and will be sure to continue getting tongues wagging as it did in the Mother City, during its strictly limited Joburg season, from 17 September to 12 October.

The cast looks forward to seeing whether Johannesburg audiences respond as enthusiastically as their Cape Town counterparts to the “Daredevil Six” – a nickname – which has now stuck like glue - given by a member of the Cape Town media to the 6 male leads who dare to “go the Full Monty” in the show, and the “The Full Monty” fast became the talk of the town.

Responses already received from the media include:

”….a new musical that crackles with freshness and sparkles like a polished diamond. Brimming with a delightful and wicked sense of humour, it is sexy and naughty, perfectly balanced with poignant dramatic moments and touching emotional elements” - - DD, The Writing Studio.

“…The Full Monty is a thoroughly enjoyable night out that is impossible to walk out of without a smile stretching across your face…” - ZH, Cape Argus Tonight.

“..The production features the top-class experience of SA’s best… A fantastic performance by the cast as well as by the backstage crew for putting together a perfect package that is sure to keep all eyes glued to the stage – especially the women on that last scene…” - Sindy, Biz Community.

“…If there are six guys that everyone will be talking about, it’s the six daredevils of The Full Monty.” - DD, News24.com.

Steven Hicks, the lead actor who plays Jerry Lukowski had this to say; “You can imagine how nervous the 6 of us were when we stood on that stage for the first time in front of a paying audience, but then we saw their response and relaxed and loved performing the show! It’s all new nerves for us now, while we wait to see how Johannesburg audiences respond! So all I can ask is…. Johannesburg… Are you ready for The Full Monty? We certainly are ready for you!”

Set in Buffalo, New York, The Full Monty tells the endearing story of six average guys of odd shapes, various ages and very different backgrounds out to earn some respect and a few dollars by stripping as a last way out. When a local male strip show is quite a hit with the town’s ladies, these cash strapped and unemployed steelworkers, a security guard and a has-been disco dancer, figure they can cash in big time if they go “the Full Monty”. If they can pull it off is quite another matter!

The highly entertaining show promises an evening of vibrant musical theatre, genuine humour and exposure to a variety of hilarious and vivacious songs ranging from big band Broadway to Rock and all the way back again. Brilliant ballads, some hip-swinging Latin, a pants-dropping finale and maybe one life-changing moment will certainly put a smile on everyone’s face, if not charm your pants off! After all, it’s not called The Half Monty…

Says Johan Kruger from Creativentertainment™:
“The Full Monty is first and foremost about pure entertainment for everyone. It"s not a strip show and it"s not about nudity – it is a great Broadway musical comedy with all the qualities associated with musical theatre. The Full Monty is more than just a night out – it’s a way out through friendship and perseverance – through heartfelt humour, excellent music and the determination to be someone. It’s a show everyone can associate with but most of all, it’s a chance to escape from reality and enjoy a great night out!”

The South African cast features Steven Hicks (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Grease – The Musical) in the lead as Jerry Lukowski with Tiaan Rautenbach (Kompleks SABC2) playing the role of Dave Bukatinsky, Jerry’s somewhat overweight best friend. The six-man strong “Hot Stuff” will also include recent Naledi Award-winner Mike Huff (Fame, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray) playing the guys’ former manager-turned-choreographer Harold Nichols with Clinton Hawkes (Grease – The Musical) as Malcolm MacGregor, a security guard living with his mother, Shaun Brian Murphy (African Footprint, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray) as the hugely talented Ethan Girard and Thokozani Nzima (Soweto Story, Rent) as Noah “Horse” T. Simmons, a disco-era dancer still going strong.

Joining the “Hot Stuff guys” on stage is legendary stage and television star, Judy Page (My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof) as Jeanette Burmeister, a weathered showgirl, rehearsal pianist and voice of reason, who will be schooling the guys in show business and life in general, whilst renowned television and stage personality, Ilse Klink (Chicago, Menopause – The Musical, Rent) will be playing Vicky Nichols, Harold’s loving wife. Popular solo artist Natalie Chapman and Tessa Denton feature in the roles of Pam Lukowski and Georgie Bukatinsky, Jerry’s ex-wife and Dave’s wife respectively, whilst Matthew Counihan (Peter Pan) will play Jerry’s son, Nathan.

The remaining roles are performed by the equally talented Jo Galloway, Bella Mariani, Mortimer Williams, Cobus Venter, Marlee van der Merwe, Gemma Donnelly, Derrick Anderson, Aidan Lithgow, Phumi Mncayi, Byron Lee Olivato and Dominique Paccaut.

Says renowned West End Director David Bownes, of the South African cast:
“I am so proud of how hard this South African cast have worked and risen to the challenge of their various roles. There is so much talent in this country, and I can’t wait for Johannesburg audiences to have the chance to appreciate some of it on stage, nightly, as they watch The Full Monty – The Broadway Musical.”

With the exception of David Bownes, the South African production comprises an all-South African creative team, a cast of 22 performers, a 10-member orchestra and a creative team that includes Clinton Zerf as musical director, Henri Noppé as choreographer, Denis Hutchinson as scenic and lighting designer and Lyn Leventhorpe as costume designer.

The Full Monty is presented by Creativentertainment by arrangement with DALRO and in association with M-Net as media partner.

With just four weeks for Gauteng audiences to enjoy this internationally renowned musical, be sure to drop everything and book now. The Full Monty – The Broadway Musical runs at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre from 17 September to 12 October.

The show performs nightly from Tuesdays to Fridays at 20:00, Saturdays at 16:00 and 20:00, Sundays at 14:00 and 16:00. An age restriction of 13 applies.

Bookings can be done through the Civic Theatre Box Office on 011 877 6800 or through Computicket.