Viva Atlantis Theatricals stages ‘The Full Monty’

MANILA, Philippines - Viva Atlantis Theatricals opens its premiere season with the critically acclaimed and well-loved Broadway musical, The Full Monty, which is slated from April 19 to May 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Based on the hit movie of the same title, the musical has a book by the multi-awarded Terrence McNally with music and lyrics by David Yazbek.

The musical takes place in Buffalo, New York, where six unemployed mill workers come up with a radical idea for making some quick cash — presenting a strip act at a local club. On the journey to their “full monty” the six find that they are more than their jobs, conquer their fears, slay their inner demons and discover the liberating power of true friendship. The six “losers” find in a shimmering moment that they can be “winners.”

Viva Atlantis Theatricals has assembled a stellar cast all set to “let it go” for Manila.

Leading the pack is singer, actor and TV personality Mark Bautista playing Jerry Lukowski. Jerry is divorced and on the brink of losing custody of his most beloved son as he continues to fall behind on his child support payments. He is inspired by the women’s enthusiasm for a Chippendales performance in their town and wills the group into existence as he himself finds himself growing up.

On playing Jerry, Mark says, “This is really challenging. When I read the script, I realized it was such a nice story — it’s heartwarming and it gives hope. It’s so natural and you can relate to the characters right away. I am excited to be part of this and to be working with our cast.”

Comedian and TV host Arnel Ignacio steps into the role of Harold Nichols. Harold is an unemployed mill supervisor who just can’t seem to keep up with the lavish lifestyle he has set up for himself and his wife.

“Not many people know I really started out doing theater. I have missed it.
Doing theater is so different from doing television or film. And this play — it’s not just the fact that in the end these six crazy men are taking their clothes off. Getting there is a lot of fun — the lines are funny, there are touching moments, the songs are catchy. When I was asked to audition, I could not say no. I am glad I am doing this,” says Arnel.

Joining Mark and Arnel is singer and recording artist Marco Sison. Marco plays Noah ‘Horse’ Simmons a retired mill worker who is constantly trying to live up to his name.

“People will be surprised to see me as part of this show because it’s just something so different from anything I have ever done before. I am known to be a balladeer. But that’s exactly why I want to do this. It’s challenging, but exciting. We had so much fun during the auditions,” says Marco.

Veteran theater actor Jamie Wilson takes on the role of Dave Bukatinsky. Dave is Jerry’s best friend who is trying to find his way to feeling like a man again, despite his body issues and not having work.

“Playing Dave in Full Monty is quite an honor, not only as an actor in such esteemed creative company but also in the rare opportunity to be a part of a story of true friendship told in such a rioutously fun way,” enthuses Jamie.

Singer and theater actor OJ Mariano joins the cast as Malcolm MacGregor. Malcolm who still lives with his mother, now works as the night security guard of the shutdown mill.

On playing Malcolm, Oj say, “I will really be giving all of myself to this role. Of course, I had reservations at first. I am not even comfortable with taking my shirt off. But the show (and the director) won me over. It’s a great role. The show has beautiful songs. And it’s really, really an inspiring story.”

Rounding off the band of six is arranger and record producer Nino Alejandro who plays Ethan Girard.

“Ethan is really a very happy-go-lucky guy. He is funny. And is gifted in very natural ways. I don’t want to reveal too much of what he does in the show. But I will tell you it’s funny. But the show is more than funny, it has a lot of heart. I am looking forward to doing this with these five talented people,” says Nino.

Joining them are Ima Castro, Sitti Navarro, Ciara Sotto and Jay Glorioso.

Co-presented by Bench, GMA 7 and Metrobank, The Full Monty  is directed by Chari Arespacochaga.

For tickets, call Viva Atlantis Theatricals at 892-7078.