'The Full Monty' show comes to IU auditorium

This week, IU Auditorium audiences will have the chance to see whether six unemployed men will try to find a way out of their financial and social slumps by going for "the full monty" onstage. \nDon't worry, this isn't some kinky male strip show. The Broadway hit "The Full Monty" will be appearing at 8 p.m. tonight and Thursday at the IU Auditorium. \nDoug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium, said that "The Full Monty" was chosen as part of the 2004-2005 season because of a large number of requests for the show in a yearly student survey. \n"It's very gratifying for us because we've been able to bring the students something they've asked for, and there's been a great response," Booher said.\n"The Full Monty" tells the story of six unemployed male factory workers who decide to try to make money by going nude or "the full monty" in a strip show.\n"It kind of tells an 'everyman' story. These guys are down on their luck, and they need to do something to lift their spirits and make some money," Booher said.\nTheater Professor George Pinney had nothing but good things to say about the production. \n"Very fun, very out there ... a very well conceived evening of entertainment," Pinney said. "It's a very fun musical with a nice story. I think that at this point in the semester it's a great escape for students."\nThe musical is based on a 1997 film of the same name, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screen Play and won the Oscar for Best Score.\nBooher and several students indicated the musical's connection with the popular film was one main attraction for people to see the stage production.\n"(The musical is) even more fun (than the film) because it's easier to connect with people when they're real people onstage," Booher said.\nGraduate students Amy Olipra and Christopher Judd each said they were interested in the musical because of the movie.\n"A lot of my friends have seen (the musical), and everybody said it's really funny. I've seen the movie, and I'm really interested to see if the stage version is different," Olipra said.\nJudd also said that the music was another incentive to see the stage production.\n"It is a fairly interesting piece, and 'The Full Monty's' music is unique among other musicals on Broadway. It has popular music accessibility," Judd said. \nFor people who are wondering if the six factory workers actually go for "The Full Monty" onstage, Booher said that they will just have to wait to see the production.\n"It says mature content for a reason on the ads. The ending is not going to be a huge surprise for those who've seen the movie," Booher said.\nTickets for "The Full Monty" can be purchased at the IU Auditorium Box Office or by calling 855-1103. \n-- Contact staff writer Melissa Harrold at mejharro@indiana.edu.