Monday, April 24, 2006
Artpark Begins to Unzip 2006 Season with Announcement of The Full Monty!
Artpark Begins to Unzip 2006 Season with Announcement of The Full Monty!
(Lewiston, NY) Since 2004, three of the four Broadway performances that Artpark has presented have been very high-quality – but relatively low-risk – musical revues. It’s quite possible that the casual Western New York theatergoer has unwittingly overlooked these critically-acclaimed Mainstage productions. They sure won’t this summer.Serving as the centerpiece of Artpark’s 2006 Season – and making its premiere at the Lewiston venue on August 10 (thru August 20) – will be nine performances of The Full Monty, the runaway hit musical comedy based on the internationally popular film of the same name. Nominated for 10 Tony Awards and winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Music, The Full Monty is the hilarious and heartfelt tale of six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers whose desperate plan to get their lives back together requires them to triumph over their fears, their nerves and, possibly, their clothes. “Our musical revues were extremely well-received by patrons and critics but, in an effort to expand the appeal of this truly unique summertime theater venue, we are looking to push the proverbial envelope a little bit more this season,” said George Osborne, Artpark President and the show’s Executive Producer. “We came to the consensus that it was time to head in another direction with a full-blown musical production.”And indeed they have.Artpark’s presentation of The Full Monty will feature a cast headed by several prominent actors possessing Broadway and national tour experience along with some of the region’s top musical talent. In addition, the acclaimed Lynne Kurdziel-Formato returns to direct and choreograph the performances despite her relocation to Elon College in North Carolina last fall. Michael Hake will serve as Music Director.The Full Monty movie took place in Sheffield, England and became one of the surprise sensations of British film history. Terrence McNally, a four-time Tony Award-winning writer, adapted the screen hit for the stage and added his own unique brand of American comedy to the story. To help the narrative feel closer to home, McNally moved the setting to Buffalo, New York and his version (along with music by David Yazbek) took Broadway and London by storm.Making its Broadway premiere on October 26, 2000, The Full Monty’s 10 Tony nominations included Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book, Best Orchestrations, Best Direction and Best Choreography. Its remarkable Broadway run ended on September 1, 2002.Artpark’s production of The Full Monty is sponsored by M&T Bank.For ticket information, access the Artpark website at www.artpark.net, call the Box Office at (716) 754-4375 or visit www.tickets.com.**Although there is no real nudity in The Full Monty, the story's content makes it appropriate for audiences 16 years and older. ARTPARK’S ENTIRE SEASON TO BE UNVEILED JUNE 1!
(Lewiston, NY) Since 2004, three of the four Broadway performances that Artpark has presented have been very high-quality – but relatively low-risk – musical revues. It’s quite possible that the casual Western New York theatergoer has unwittingly overlooked these critically-acclaimed Mainstage productions. They sure won’t this summer.Serving as the centerpiece of Artpark’s 2006 Season – and making its premiere at the Lewiston venue on August 10 (thru August 20) – will be nine performances of The Full Monty, the runaway hit musical comedy based on the internationally popular film of the same name. Nominated for 10 Tony Awards and winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Music, The Full Monty is the hilarious and heartfelt tale of six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers whose desperate plan to get their lives back together requires them to triumph over their fears, their nerves and, possibly, their clothes. “Our musical revues were extremely well-received by patrons and critics but, in an effort to expand the appeal of this truly unique summertime theater venue, we are looking to push the proverbial envelope a little bit more this season,” said George Osborne, Artpark President and the show’s Executive Producer. “We came to the consensus that it was time to head in another direction with a full-blown musical production.”And indeed they have.Artpark’s presentation of The Full Monty will feature a cast headed by several prominent actors possessing Broadway and national tour experience along with some of the region’s top musical talent. In addition, the acclaimed Lynne Kurdziel-Formato returns to direct and choreograph the performances despite her relocation to Elon College in North Carolina last fall. Michael Hake will serve as Music Director.The Full Monty movie took place in Sheffield, England and became one of the surprise sensations of British film history. Terrence McNally, a four-time Tony Award-winning writer, adapted the screen hit for the stage and added his own unique brand of American comedy to the story. To help the narrative feel closer to home, McNally moved the setting to Buffalo, New York and his version (along with music by David Yazbek) took Broadway and London by storm.Making its Broadway premiere on October 26, 2000, The Full Monty’s 10 Tony nominations included Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book, Best Orchestrations, Best Direction and Best Choreography. Its remarkable Broadway run ended on September 1, 2002.Artpark’s production of The Full Monty is sponsored by M&T Bank.For ticket information, access the Artpark website at www.artpark.net, call the Box Office at (716) 754-4375 or visit www.tickets.com.**Although there is no real nudity in The Full Monty, the story's content makes it appropriate for audiences 16 years and older. ARTPARK’S ENTIRE SEASON TO BE UNVEILED JUNE 1!
