Circle Will "Let It Go" with The Full Monty in 2018

Circle Players kicks off 2018 with the pop-rock musical comedy THE FULL MONTY in collaboration with KB Productions. The show is based on the popular 1997 film of the same name and is described as “… a raucous, pop-rock-musical send-up of gender expectations and stereotypes that takes it all off.”

Clay Hillwig directs Circle’s production and its cast of 20 talented artists, many of whom are familiar to local theatre audiences. Hillwig also is a familiar name as a director and performer. (Among his credits is a turn in the cast of a previous local production MONTY in the early 2000s.) Hillwig suggested the idea of a collaboration between Circle Players and KB Productions for THE FULL MONTY.

“Since 2012, Donald Powell, L.T. Kirk and all involved with KB Productions have provided Nashville with some of the most thought-provoking and successful productions that our theatre community has offered,” says Hillwig. “It seemed fitting to bring them alongside Circle Players, the longest-running community theater organization in Tennessee.

“This collaboration is tribute to the commitment that each theatre company has to growing the arts here in Nashville. When we come together like this, pool our talents, passion and resources, the results are magical.”

THE FULL MONTY is focuses on a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo. While spying on their wives at a "Girls' Night Out," they see how much the women enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. In preparing, they find themselves extremely exposed; not merely physically but emotionally. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they're stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to "let it go."

Circle’s cast features Jason Lewis, Zach Williams, Seth Brown, Blake Holliday, Elliott Robinson and David Arnold as the six unemployed steelworkers. The roles of their wives, girlfriends and other characters are performed by: Laura Amond, Abby West, Cat Arnold, Lynda Cameron Bayer, Susan Walsworth, Stephanie Twomey, Chilton Stewart, Ariana Hodes, Courtney Harkins, Cordnie Ellese Brown, Bill Richeson, Bryan Rider, Caleb Hogan and Jodie Mowrey (who also is choreographer for the show).

Along with Mowrey (choreographer), Hillwig's creative team includes L.T. Kirk as music director and Donald Powell as producer. THE FULL MONTY musical is based on the book by Terrance McNally; music and lyrics David Yazbek and is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI, www.mtishows.com).

Circle’s production is rated PG-13 for language and brief nudity, with performance from January 12-28, 2018, at Looby Theater; 2301 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard. Show times are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $20 except on Thursdays (January 18 & 25), when tickets are $10. Group rates are available for 10 or more.

In keeping with the show’s theme, Circle is hosting a special Ladies Night on Saturday, January 13th. Tickets are $45 for Ladies Night and include a pre-show social with drinks and food at The Old School Farm Bar from 5 to 6:30 pm and admission to that night’s 7:30 performance at Looby Theater.

Tickets for the shows and Ladies Night can be purchased online at www.circleplayers.net or at the box office one hour before show time. For reservations email boxoffice@circleplayers.net