NCT bares ALL in Full Monty

In the Americanized stage version adapted from the British film of the same name, 6 unemployed Buffalo steel workers, low on both cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives' enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales. One of them, Jerry, declares that their show will be better than the Chippendales dancers because they'll go 'the full monty" - strip all the way.
As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness, and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.
From last month's fully clothed “Cats” to half naked men, NCT continues to stretch both boundaries and – in “Monty” – waistlines.
Performing this show in your hometown takes prodigious chutzpah. Some of the actors might benefit from a Y membership. To quote Cary Grant in the classic Rudyard Kipling movie, “You're a braver man than me, Gunga Din”
David Yazbek created both music and lyrics. The latter especially was clever by two, reminiscent of the wit and playfulness of the wittiest and most playful composer ever, Cole Porter. (The Brandywiners is staging his most famous...”Kiss Me Kate”...this summer.)
Double entendres are dispatched as speedily as shirts are stripped. The strong ensemble is led by NCT veteran Paul Goodman as Jerry. His singing voice evokes the pathos and despair that comes from a husband's and father's inability to provide for his family. I do wish that Director Chris Alberts and he would discuss the poignant scene in which Jerry's young son gives his Dad the money to rent the hall. It was all over too quick in relation to the heartstrings that could have been pulled and the eyes that could have moistened.
Doffing one's clothes does bond a cast. This carries over to the mellifluous harmonies as well in “The Mill”. Peter Briccotto (Malcolm), Andre Dion Willis (Horse...please, please don't ask me why) and Patrick O'Hara (Harold), Method actors all, created defined characterizations of those who would risk all to do what they felt was the right thing.
The Full Monty lasted on Broadway for 770 shows not only because it was a truly outrageous idea, but also because it spoke directly to our insecurities. NCT translates that for us in a triumphant manner.
And, ladies, not to fret. Even dear sister Liz, her program at the ready to shield her cute baby blues, never had to look away!
Running to May 22. NewCandlelightTheatre.com 475.2313

Great Ideas for Delaware. Our first initiative
Jayne Armstrong, District Director of the SBA
Small businesses are the big winners in the recent passage of the federal Small Business Jobs Act. The landmark economic recovery legislation supports a number of new initiatives designed to expand access to capital and export markets.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched its Community Advantage and Small Loan Advantage loan programs to help undeserved markets access loans under $250,000. Small Loan Advantage loans are offered through SBA preferred lenders and feature a two-page application and approvals in a matter of minutes through the agency’s electronic E-Tran system.  Community Advantage loans expand SBA’s lending network by targeting Community Development Financial Institutions, SBA’s Certified Development Companies and SBA non-profit micro lenders.
Companies impacted by maturing mortgages and balloon notes can now refinance their commercial real estate under SBA’s 504 Refinance Program. The SBA also introduced dealer floor plan financing up to $5 million for dealers servicing the auto, boat, recreational vehicle, motorcycle and manufactured housing industries.
The legislation also expands export opportunities for small businesses. The SBA’s State Trade and Export Promotion grant program provides $90 million over three years to fund state export initiatives.
For more information, contact the SBA Delaware District Office at (302) 573-6294 or visit www.sba.gov
If you have a Great Idea for Delaware, firestone@delaware.net