The Things You’ll Do for Cash

Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

The Full Monty, at its heart, is as relevant today as it was when it was first written for the 1997 film. Desperate times call for desperate measures. When work is scarce, money is tight, and you might not get to see your kid unless you get your act together, you need to be a little creative.

Now on the Main Stage at Huron Country Playhouse under the direction of Alex Mustakas, The Full Monty was staged last year in St. Jacobs and at King’s Wharf Theatre, Penetanguishene. Though one of the stars of the show is a youngster, this one’s not for the kids!

Women, for better or worse, have always had the option of taking their clothes off for money, so why not men? And if you “ain’t got it” and have to compete with the Chippendales, what does desperation call for? The Full Monty! This was not an expression I’d heard of before the movie came out, but it’s not a big thing for people to figure out.

This play is set in Buffalo for a North American audience, though the movie was set in the UK. Two blue-collar unemployed friends, Jerry and Dave, notice how much their wives enjoy the Chippendales show. Jerry needs to make support payments for his son and convinces Dave and other dispirited men to develop a striptease routine to raise some quick cash. Dave, who struggles with overeating, is reluctant, but with the help of his loving wife, summons up the courage. Jerry’s son Nathan offers his support when Jerry struggles to fund the show and wants to back out.

The music provides a faithful soundtrack to the story, with songs such as “Scrap,”  “It’s a Woman’s World,” and “The Goods.” With Christine Watson’s fun choreography, you almost feel like you are at a Chippendales performance at times. Despite the heavy themes, this is a brilliant comedy. Suicide is addressed yet made humorous with the song “Big Ass Rock” and the presence of the carbon monoxide-filled Volkswagen Beetle on the stage.

The lead male actors expose themselves not just physically but emotionally on the stage night after night, with homophobia, fat-shaming, and self-esteem issues that fortunately get resolved, for the most part. Amir Haidar, Benjamin Domcom, Mark Cassius and the other strippers all do a great job of letting their vulnerabilities hang out.

Young actor Declan Pothier, from the 2024 production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, impressively plays Nathan. Nicola Dawn Brook has fun with her role as Jeannette, the hilarious accompanist. The ensemble does a great job of firing up the audience.

I smiled through The Full Monty so much my cheeks hurt. Even the funeral scene had some humour. Despite the depressing themes, this is a fun one, a must-see! Do they take it all off? Go and see for yourself!

The Full Monty continues until July 25th at Huron Country Playhouse, Mainstage. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, or Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.

Photo:  Amir Haidar, Nick Boegel, and Benjamin Doncom. Photo by Drayton Entertainment.

The Full Monty
Book by Terrence McNally
Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Directed by Alex Mustakas
Choreographed by Christine Watson
Musical Director – Van Wilmott
Performed by Amir Haidar, Benjamin Doncom, Mark Harapiak, Nick Boegel, et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
Mainstage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
July 2nd to July 25th, 2026
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes