SUSAN ALIBER
Photo by Matt McKee
Bennet Levine, 12, will appear in The Footlight Club’s production, “The Full Monty” starting Nov. 3.
Although the nights are getting colder, things are steaming up at Eliot Hall as rehearsals are underway for The Footlight Club’s annual musical fund-raiser—“The Full Monty” this year—which opens on Fri., Nov. 3.
Based on the popular British film, this musical adaptation of “The Full Monty” tells the story of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo, NY and the unique way they set about to make money. Written by Terrence McNally, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek, “The Full Monty” opened on Broadway to rave reviews and box office success.
Richard Repetta returns to direct “The Full Monty” after his successful direction of last season’s musical “Hot Mikado.” When asked why he wanted to direct this musical, Repetta said, “I loved the movie, then the music for the show. I find it to be a unique story line… first about a father’s love for his son and then a great male-bonding story that doesn’t revolve around a sport. The show will be high energy with a lot of laughter! It will show that even in tough times how friends and family can persevere.”
The Footlight Club production of “The Full Monty” includes cast and crew from all over the Greater Boston area, including Jamaica Plain resident Bennett Levine who portrays Nathan, the son. Not only is this Levine’s first production at The Footlight Club, but this is also his first role in any theatrical endeavor.
“The character of Nathan really is like me because our lives are very similar in terms of what we have to deal with,” Levine said. “I also liked the fact that Nathan’s part isn’t very hard for a 12-year-old first-timer, but isn’t easy either. I really like to sing.” Levine likes playing sports, learning about architecture and listening to music. The Park School student said he “loves to have fun and have new adventures.”
When asked what he hopes the audience will take away from the show, Repetta said: “I hope the audience can leave the daily troubles of the world we live in and laugh and feel good!”
So hang on to your hats, as the clothes fly high in song and dance. “The Full Monty” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., on Nov. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. There will be special added performances on Sun., Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. and Thurs, Nov. 16 at 8p.m.. Tickets range from $19 to $22 in advance, ($20-$23 at the door) so save by purchasing on-line at www.footlight.org or by calling 524-3200. The Footlight Club is located at Eliot Hall, 7A Eliot St., across from the Monument.
The writer is a board member of The Footlight Club.