Steps To The Stage
Steps To The Stage
Full Monty, Full Heart
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A musical about six unemployed steel workers who decide to strip for cash sounds like a punchline until you look closer. We’re staging The Full Monty at Chino Community Theater, and what keeps surprising us is how much heart sits underneath the laughs: pride after a layoff, fear about providing for family, friendships that turn into lifelines, and the messy work of rebuilding confidence when life knocks you flat.
We sit down with our director Toni and cast members Justin, Ralph, and Sam to talk about what it takes to mount a bold community theater musical in an intimate space. They share their theater paths across California, the military, and beyond, plus what it feels like to come back after years away. We also get honest about process: juggling music rehearsals and choreography, adapting when scripts arrive late, and why Toni pushes us to create our own characters instead of copying the film or a past production.
You’ll hear why the musical version can hit harder than the movie, how ensemble chemistry can make a show live or die, and the behind-the-scenes work from costumes to set design that makes the big moments land. If you love live theater, musical theater, or stories about finding dignity after a setback, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share the episode with a theater friend, and leave a rating or review so more people can find the show.
April 17-May 3rd
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It was such a surprise at that time that wait, why would a movie about men, like not even a sorry, Robert Carlisle, attractive men stripping? Why is this so popular uh or has such an impact? And so it was after watching.
SPEAKER_03We'll provide a direct link in the show notes. Understand that we sign waivers before we bring go ahead.
The Story Beneath The Shock
SPEAKER_04Welcome to Steps to the Stage, a 7th Street community theater podcast. Hey theater friends, welcome to Steps to the Stage, where we talk to the community theater professionals you know and love. Today we're really excited we have some amazing people here. One, a person that I'm very fond of, Tony, who's been with us multiple times, and our families are close. And not only do we have our relationship here at the theater, but together as well, and in just trying to uh, you know, hit this world on full force and and give it our gusto. So we're really excited to have Tony here. And and and right next to her is we have uh Justin, Ralph, and Sam who are here today, and we're gonna really enjoy getting to know about you guys and your and the process of of going through. We're here to talk about the full Monty. And this is uh uh something that I would imagine most of our listeners are familiar with. Obviously, we would probably say the movie that came out in the late 90s that was directed by Peter uh Cantanao. Did I say that correctly? I'm I'm sure I didn't. Um, and and then written by Simon uh Befoy. Befoy, yeah. Yes, and then this was based in England Sheffield in the 90s, but then in 2000, a Broadway production came out. Yes, and this was uh it actually um uh the going back to the movie I forgot to mention actually won an Oscar for best score, yes, which was kind of controversial at the time, so odd, but I only bring that up because we'll want to talk about the music when we when we get into it. But it debuted in in 2000 in the Eugene O'Neill Theater in New York. Let's see, it was based off a book by Terrence McNally, and the music and lyrics were by David Yazbeck, if I have that correct. Yes. Um, then there was also several other adaptations, TV shows, everything else. So the point is, Fulmani is something that people have a little bit of content to go off of. So that can be good and can be bad. So before we meet you gentlemen, I'm gonna talk to Tony a little bit, our director, and just kind of get a little bit of insights into the process thus far and why this and those questions that we always love to know about.
SPEAKER_00Yes. I absolutely uh love this show. And everyone thinks about the full Monty, and then they think about, oh my, oh my, but there's a great story. There's heartfelt caricators, there's um kind of relationships that are wonderful, father and son, uh husband and wife, uh, friends, um being out of work and feeling losing your confidence and uh situations where you don't know what you'll do next, or how how far would you go uh to save your family or to to get money to go ahead? What do you do? Um so that's what happens. And these out of work steel workers in New York uh are faced with all that.
SPEAKER_04So Buffalo, correct? Is that are you following that in time period 80s, late 80s? Okay, all right. What a great year.
SPEAKER_00I know, but so cool.
SPEAKER_08This is the year I was born.
SPEAKER_04Yeah I graduated high school. Okay, so yeah, uh uh, I mean, of course, people immediately s go to the title and what what we know inevitably potentially is gonna happen. So, but that's just kind of a vehicle to some very real um issues that that we all face. And isn't that great that this art and drama can you know can be funny at the same time, it can touch base with those things that we all have to deal with every day.
SPEAKER_00How good he is at that script. You've read the script.
Cast Introductions And Theater Journeys
SPEAKER_04Well, you know, listen, friends, we've talked about it in the last couple episodes. We're in some pretty amazing times, and I'll say amazing, and you can interpret it that however you want. During this time, art is really important, and we've talked about it the last couple episodes. So I'm thankful that um I get to put this little podcast out there to the world. And I when I say the world, it's cool. Like we're in like 80 different countries and all over the place. And and and that tells me that there are people in the world that want to hear these stories, and especially through this art, right? And community theater is such a core to all of this, right? Because there's only a few stages on Broadway and only a few stages on the West End, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of community theater stages across the world where people like us can get together and we can apply our trade, but also give a message. So I will jump off my diatribe and we're gonna jump over here to Justin, who is a first-time attendee to steps to the stage. Welcome. Justin, give us a little bit about your background, acting, and specifically here in Chino, if there is any history or if this is your debut here.
SPEAKER_06I've uh been performing since I was five. This is probably my 180th show.
SPEAKER_04I love that.
SPEAKER_06Very first time being in Chino uh brought in by the lovely Tony. And this is my third production of the Full Monty, second time getting to actually go full Monty.
SPEAKER_04Five and hundreds of productions in the Inland Empire or all over.
SPEAKER_06I'm from Central California. Oh, okay. Wonderful. And then I also lived in Florida for a couple years and performed out there as well.
SPEAKER_04That is wonderful. Great history and welcome to our beautiful stage and and thank you for being on our program today. We have Ralph as well. Welcome, Ralph. Well, thank you. And give us a little bit about your history and and same questions, we'll just go down the line.
SPEAKER_05So in 1989, when this play takes place, I actually joined the military. So I've been in the military since 1989. Um, but uh I started uh theater actually when I was uh stationed at South Carolina, and uh I've been doing it since it's been about 40 years, 30 years. And um I've done shows in I've been in South Carolina, I've been in Nevada, I've been I did shows in England um and then all over California uh and Washington as well. Um, this is my second time doing this particular show. The first time I did it with Justin, and it was where was that at, if I may ask? It was in Riverside.
SPEAKER_04In Riverside, okay. I love that. And did I hear that you started theater while you were in the military? Yes, sir. So I'm sorry we're gonna take a little sidestep because this is the first time we've ever touched base with something like this, not necessarily something you put together, the military and community theater. So I'll just leave it at that and I'll let you give me a little bit of history about that or or whatever you'd like to share with us.
SPEAKER_05So when my dad was in the army, I did a couple of small things in uh in the DYA, which is dependent youth activities in Germany, and I just never got into it too much throughout my life because we always moved so much. And then when I got in the military, I moved to South Carolina at Shaw Air Force Base, and a friend of mine was doing theater, and he said, Come on, and then I was in every single production that we did while I was stationed there, and that just and after that I just got the bug.
SPEAKER_04That's fantastic. And I just I I mean, I I literally have goosebumps just thinking like, what a great opportunity. Because again, not things that you would necessarily put together, but and then here you are several decades later and still applying your trade. And did I hear this is your first time at Chino as well? This is my first time at Chino. Well, welcome to Chino. So thanks to Tony.
SPEAKER_05Yes.
SPEAKER_04Well, you know what? It's it's um, it's we were having a discussion before we started recording uh uh uh about my children that you know have had um a couple of wonderful experiences working with you. I love them. And um, and everyone on the show has heard me talk about them often. Um, and it's just great to know that there are those out there that are looking out for each other, but that can mentor and that can give that inspiration, you know. And I know that my kids that are now adults are directing and you know, they are they are bringing people onto the stage for the first time, and and and already just in the short amount of time, like if we're out and about in the community and it's you know, Marley, Abby, hugs, and so just uh I just absolutely love that and and love the conduits and and uh um the connections that are made throughout this. So thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Sam.
SPEAKER_01Thank you. Absolutely. So uh similar to Justin, I've been performing since I was eight years old in community theater. Oh, okay. It's not a competition. Look out, look out. You can't go back in time and change that. But I am older than you, so I've done more shows. Um so it was my dad in San Diego, he was coerced by one of his friends to do ensemble in community theater. Okay. And when I saw him up on stage and saw the theater, I was like, I want to do that. So my first role was Michael and Peter Pan. Um, I was very tall. I was a very tall Michael. Um, but from then, just theater consumed my life. So I did theater all throughout high school, uh, grew up in San Diego.
SPEAKER_09Okay.
SPEAKER_01Um did theater at Starlight Civic Light Opera, R.I.P.
SPEAKER_09Yeah.
SPEAKER_01Um, then moved up here, did theater up here, Fullerton Civic Light Opera, R.I.P. Um it's just a a who's who of all the different places that I've performed out uh up here through my twenties and early 30s. Um it's I will say this is my first show in 12 years. Okay. Um my son was born 12 years ago, so you can kind of put two and two together of uh what took priority there. Um, but now that he's old enough to technically take care of himself, um, enough that we don't have to be there every waking moment. Um it's my wife and I uh we were discussing about getting back into theater, and so I just literally Googled what's in Chino because we moved to Chino Hills about three years ago.
SPEAKER_04Okay.
SPEAKER_01Um, and saw auditions for Full Monty, and Full Monty is a show I've always wanted to do. Uh Jerry is a dream roll of mine, and it was one of those of like, hey, I'm gonna just gonna go try out and see what happens. Uh and here we are.
unknownYeah.
SPEAKER_01Three weeks away from where wonderful.
SPEAKER_04Well, welcome as well, and great to hear the long story. And and it is also, you know, we must make mention that unfortunately there are theaters that that don't survive. We've had a few out here in the inland empire. Um part of the reason why we're here is trying to get you know more attention to it and and people in seats as butts in seats, as we like to say. So um, but um Jerry is your role. Correct, yes and I didn't get to ask you guys your role. I am Dave. You're Dave and Justin. I am Malcolm McGregor.
SPEAKER_01All right. He's the only one with the last name in this show, by the way.
SPEAKER_04Oh, really? Is that that's not true?
SPEAKER_08That's the only one I can pronounce.
Coming Back To The Stage
SPEAKER_04We can tell already, listeners, that this is going to be a fun show because we're not even, you know, five minutes into this conversation, and these two, these three have been going at it in a very, very loving, healthy way, but also in a great way. Dave's last name is Bukachinski, just so you know. Spell that one uh backwards. Nice. So um we are uh we're in 1989, we're in Buffalo. Tell me a little bit about the process getting up to this point because we open up in a couple weeks. Yes, and and we need to get ready. And I know Peter Pan just finished this past weekend, so we've got our set changes that take place. There's that's the beautiful thing about this theater is there's rarely a weekend where there's not something going on, and even during the week we've got camps going and everything else. So I digress. Tony, tell us a little bit more about the process and where we're well.
SPEAKER_00I have a fabulous um musical director and a choreographer. Um, and uh they each have their own rehearsals with the cast, so that makes it easy. Okay, yes, and they are fabulous. I've worked with Tina before, if this is the first time I've worked with Jen, but they got their own rehearsal schedule. And the problem that we had to start off with is in New York, there was really bad weather and they could not deliver our scripts. Ah we had to wait three weeks to get our scripts because of the weather. I mean, no control. No control. So um I'm I'm happy to say that we finally got them and and they had to readjust their schedules, but they're working with them. I've got fabulous voices. These guys are just phenomenal, and so that helps. The whole cast is um they're very um glad to be doing this show. That that's the best thing about it. So they're all very anxious to get it right. Uh, we're my costumer, Kathy Miller, is just wonderful finding 1989 clothes.
SPEAKER_04I have um I'm missing stuff from my closet, by the way.
SPEAKER_06You don't need the girls.
SPEAKER_01I just got everything from Ralph's closet.
SPEAKER_00It's so true.
SPEAKER_04We love Kathy, she's amazing.
SPEAKER_00Oh, she is. I just adore her, and she really works hard. And um so when you have a whole crew like that, um, I have Phil Parker putting in some music, the pre-show and all that. He's wonderful and he knows music so well. Um, it's just like you get all these people and it's an ensemble, it's a uh a bouquet of wonderful people and and situations, and so that's how it's all coming together. Um I love our rehearsals. I love coming here. They come early almost every night.
SPEAKER_04I understand because they were actually here before I got here to set up so to do some rehearsing.
SPEAKER_00So isn't that wonderful?
SPEAKER_04It's you you must love that dedication.
SPEAKER_00I just do, I do. And for me, um wanting to do the show, I I knew that it hadn't been done in a long time. And uh I knew there'd be some talk, you know. I don't know if we should do it, or you know, uh what about the has the full money has it been on our stage before? No. Okay, not at all, not at all. It was, you know, it was difficult to get it approved. Uh I will say that. Understand. But um it is um we we're putting the content uh advisories on on everything. Right. And so if you come, you you know what to expect. That's the way we do it. If you don't want to, don't don't come. Listen to the podcast. That's that's it. There you go. There you go.
SPEAKER_06And you can always donate.
SPEAKER_04Yes, yes, there's that this is very true.
SPEAKER_00Please, please. We're we're thinking about that. We're thinking about how we can fundraise for this and you know, buy G strings with the cast, you know. I mean, it's just all kinds of stuff like that. Having a wonderful time. I really am. I love to direct, I love to work with talented people, you know. Yes. And uh so for me, it's it's making my heart uh happy.
Rehearsal Process And Production Team
SPEAKER_04And uh that's well, we always love the experience that you bring, um, but especially the the energy and love for theater and and it shows every time we see a production and and you and I get a chance to talk. So we we so appreciate that. So um Justin and Ralph, you've played the you've been in the a production like this before, and remind me, is it the same character, different characters?
SPEAKER_05So my character was the same. I played Dave to I played Jerry to his Jerry. Okay, awesome.
SPEAKER_06Now I'm playing a more appropriate role for my aide.
SPEAKER_05So I played the same role both times, and I I absolutely love this role. So when when I was offered it, I was super happy to get it.
SPEAKER_04And so having that chance to do it again, what now that you've gone through it, what what are you bringing this time? What's your approach this time? Is there something different? Is it just refining or or guide us? Both question to both of you.
SPEAKER_06Um Well, I'm I had to play a straight man before, so now I get to play a gay dude, and that's fun.
SPEAKER_05So it's kind of a little bit different, but um for me it's I think it's it's easier this time because I know the show, I know the character, you know, I know the ups and downs of things, so I think it's easier this time for me. And for some reason, the first time I did it, my main song I there was a high note that I couldn't hit. And this time I'm not having any problems hitting it. So it's kind of surprising to me. I don't know why. Maybe you get older and your voice gets better. I don't know. But but I'm enjoying it. I'm I just love this show.
SPEAKER_04But yeah, I think there's also something that's good to have several members of the cast that have a little bit deeper familiarity with it than than the others. I mean, it's it's almost you know, you can compare it to anything when you have the rookie versus the you know the veteran on there. So exactly, exactly. And and then let me ask specifically, um, since this is your first time on the stage, let's hear a little bit about your impressions about our our nice little theater.
SPEAKER_06Well, I did see ELF. I believe that was I'm not sure when ELF was, but it was out of Christmas time. And I saw that and I loved it. I think it's so quaint and intimate. I have a whole list of like 50 shows that would be great here. All musicals.
SPEAKER_04But and there's nothing wrong with musicals. We we love musicals.
SPEAKER_05Yes, we do. Um, I've done theater all over the Inland Empire, Redlands Footlighters, RCP, um, Rialto. So this doing a show here is fun for me because I wanted to get out and do new theaters. And being here and being on this stage is very exciting because it's new and it's a new group of people that'll come see.
SPEAKER_04So it's it's really cool being at a had you seen anything here before? And you know you hadn't acted, but had you seen anything here?
SPEAKER_05Yes, I've seen several shows here. Oh, okay. So you got to see I even got to see Tony on stage.
SPEAKER_04Oh, I love it. So you had a little bit of familiarity, so that's so that's nice.
SPEAKER_05I was familiar with the space.
SPEAKER_04I mean, it's a small theater, of course, but I think that's that's uh opera bov, I would imagine, for most community theaters. Not not too many 20,000 seat uh um you know community theaters out there. But we have a nice backstage and a nice, you know, dressing room area and and a workspace, yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. That's great. Um Sam, how about you?
SPEAKER_01Uh no, I this is actually my first time being in this theater. Uh again, it's only knowing really Orange County and uh uh San Diego theater area space. Um it was when I came to audition and saw just the history that was behind this theater. And then talking with Tony at auditions and at callbacks of like, hey, what has this always been here? And it was, oh no, this used to be an electric company, and it's one of two in the Inland Empire. The other is a yoga studio now in Montclair. Um so it was just interesting to come in and see just such an intimate space with history behind it. Because again, most of the most of the newer theaters in Orange County and in the LA area um are either in uh industrial areas or it's where they're renting out that space, or it's uh makeshift theaters or not theaters, churches that they change into theaters. Right. Um and so being able to come in and see a dedicated theater space that has been here since the uh 80s is just absolutely wonderful to be a part of.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. Yeah. Also one that Sam can't close down.
SPEAKER_01It's true, yeah. It's it's just been the time.
Movie Vs Musical And Building Characters
SPEAKER_04Listeners, I'm just telling you, like, you gotta come to the show because I mean the comedy that we're getting here is is gotta translate on stage. But we agree with you, Sam. There is this is a very special place. It's yeah, a great, amazing uh theater with a lot of great energy and a lot of great history. And I'm glad that you recognized it, felt it, and and thank you for mentioning it because I I know that'll mean a lot to a lot of people that have been here and done done a lot of shows. I had a question specifically to the the movie. I'm assuming you've all seen it. And and how has that impacted you or has it? Or have you stayed away from it?
SPEAKER_06Or I actually just watched it for the first time, like a couple weeks ago. Okay. Because I don't I didn't want it to like affect and like I've done a million shows that have a movie, and I have not seen the movie. I'm not really into movies. I love musical theater. But watching the movie, I'm like, wow, a lot of our script is in this movie. And a lot of the characters have weird names that are not what is in our script. Yep. And yeah, there's a lot of similarities, a lot of similarities. And I like that in musical, they stretch out some of the characters so you learn more about them. Yeah, and they give them more of a backstory. Because in the movie, some of them are like, okay, you just walk on it strip and you're one of the six leads.
SPEAKER_08You know, true.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, I saw the movie when it first came out, and I I loved it. Robert Carlisle is one of my favorite actors. I know. Um, but Robert Carlisle is my favorite one of my favorite actors. He was fantastic, and he was a lead in the Full Monty. Um, and I really, really enjoyed it. And then several years passed, and then I saw they made a play or a musical of it, and um I got to see it, and I immediately fell in love with the story. Um, like Tony said, it's a father and a son, and a um husband and wife, and then a son and a mother, and it's just the show is just funny and endearing. Um, and yeah, I mean the movie was similar, but I enjoyed this so much more than the film.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, this is way better than the movie. Oh, I'm sorry if you love the movie, but this is just yeah. I saw similar to Ralph. I didn't see when it came out, but I saw it when it came to uh VHS, that's how old I am.
SPEAKER_08That.
SPEAKER_01Sound it out. Sounded out. Use your words. Podcasters, you can't see the finger I'm holding, but I'm sure you can guess.
SPEAKER_05It's the peace finger, right?
SPEAKER_01I need to know Peace finger. But uh yeah, it's uh because I remember it was I believe it was nominated for Best Picture as well, if I'm not mistaken. Um which was wild at the time. Yeah. And that it won Best Score. Yeah. It was such a surprise. It was such a surprise at that time that wait, why would a movie about men, like not even sorry, Robert Carlisle, attractive men stripping? Why is this so popular or has such an impact?
SPEAKER_02And so it was after watching the attorneys of Robert Carlisle, if you'd like to get in touch with Sam.
SPEAKER_03We'll provide a direct link in the show notes. Understand that we sign waivers before we bring. Go ahead.
SPEAKER_01But then um it was my drama teachers in high school in in San Diego, it uh Full Monty debuted at the Old Globe. And so they went to go see it and they came back and they said, we want to take you guys to see it, but obviously we can't. Even though you don't see anything, it's it's more about the the heart and the emotion, and they uh the way they described it was just something I was like, oh, I've got to see this show. Um I actually then went to New York for a couple weeks, and when I was in New York, I was able to, I was lucky enough to see the Broadway show. Oh, you didn't tell any of that. Oh, I told Tony Cats. So yeah, seeing it with Patrick Wilson and seeing the original Broadway cast. Um, thank you, TKTS. Um, so it was just a phenomenal experience to see it and experience it that way. It's it stuck with me. And it was one of those that it's the music is so it's not traditional musical theater. Okay. It's it's very it's how to describe it. Because it's it's jarring, but in such a great way. Okay. It's it's not just, hey, I'm gonna sing about my feelings. It's hey, let me bear, let me bear my soul. What's what's actually happening with me? Um, and it's just such a wonderful story to go. And it's comparing it to the movie is it, it's I feel like it's so similar, but they're two totally different pieces of media. Right.
SPEAKER_04And Tony, was that direction you gave up front? Or in regards to that?
SPEAKER_00I did not want um I didn't want them to watch the movie. I I didn't recommend that. Uh for me, I I don't even watch it. It was years ago that I saw it. Um, because they need to be their own characters. I mean, whatever the movie did, we're not, we can't do that. Right. And we need to work off each other and and the relationships that we form and and all the energy and all the uh confidence that we get is coming from us. And so this is the unit that I want to to represent. And so I never talk about a movie. And when anybody says, well, you know, in the movie they did this, I don't care. Even even another play. Well, and we used to do this. That that's that was another stage, another place, uh, and a different cast. Yeah. So it all has to be us. And and that's that's where I come from. This is the unit that we're putting together. And so um, and we do. They they you see how they've connected. I can't believe that that they would need anything from a movie or another play to have these relationships. They are so fun. I'm serious.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, give me a hug when I we're having a hug fest uh listeners going on.
SPEAKER_00When I come, when I come to the theater, they do hug me. I can you believe that? I mean, they actually, oh hi, you know. Yeah, my gosh. I'm just, you know, I get a little bit emotional about it because it's really it's really.
SPEAKER_03We need a little moment here, talks amongst yourselves.
SPEAKER_00From New York, I can't tell. Yes.
SPEAKER_05I I just I just want to say real quick on top of what she just said about the cast. Um, this show really lives or dies with the six guys. And if the six guys hit it off really well, it's super easy and super fun. And and this cast is exactly what happened. The six of us just hit it off immediately. And we just we when we did the dances, we just jumped in. If we messed up, we're like, come on. I mean, we've been everybody's been super supportive the whole time. And yeah, the six of us, it's just it, we've just clicked so easily.
SPEAKER_01And I want to plug him even though he's not here. Uh, Vince, who plays our Ethan. Okay. Absolutely hilarious. He he plays Ethan his own way, not the the typical like meathead. And it is so he plays him more just so much more grounded and real, but it's I crack up every time, and I I don't break on stage, and he makes me break, and I just love him to death. He's I mean, everyone in it, Bryant Paul, like uh, absolutely just we're really, really funny.
SPEAKER_06Yes.
SPEAKER_05Yes, we really are and confident and we'll see about that.
SPEAKER_04Very humble thing.
SPEAKER_08Very humble.
Ensemble Chemistry And Supporting Cast
SPEAKER_04You know, you you know, right. I mean, part of of this whole process is the process. Yes, right? Of course, the end product we want to be something that anyone can come and enjoy um and and understand whether, you know, they're gonna have their own experiences ahead of time, or maybe they won't. You know, maybe they walk in fresh off the street and know nothing about it. Um but they're gonna come in with their own interpretations and what they're going to receive is this what we're listening to, right? This energy that you guys all obviously have, and the respect you have for the rest of the cast and and and those that are helping. And I think that's uh quintessential for success, right? Absolutely. Because if you're not having fun up there, and uh the audience can see it, smell it, hear it, everything. And and with the experience collectively that we have here, I'm I'm obviously preaching to the choir, but I love witnessing it as somewhat of a newbie to the theater world. Um, but to to see I was a sports guy, and I always equate a production to a season in in sports, right? You have your team, your your games are your each production, and you go through all that process up there. And uh like I I've only had a few and I've mentioned this many times, but when you're done, it's like you never forget that cast, you never forget you never forget the feeling, right? And and I think that's another I think that's the beauty of community theater, right? And then the audience receives that because they can they can obviously feel and and sense the connection. Let's talk a little bit about more about some of the people that we haven't mentioned that aren't here, because obviously we've talked about Kathy, and we've talked about um some of the other casts, but who else have we not mentioned that you'd like to speak about?
SPEAKER_00The women in the show are very strong. Um Jesse Canales. Uh Jesse Canales is wonderful, uh, so much energy. Uh Maria Monaco, uh, she has great energy, very fun. They come out there and they just give it all. Yeah.
SPEAKER_07Uh and um Julie Kerpatrick, of course. She's an icon.
SPEAKER_00Yes, she really is. She really is. And uh she had um uh really fun, she said from auditions on, she hadn't done a show in a while. And she said, this was so great and so happy to be involved. And uh so how wonderful is that. Um what uh and um Ellison Buster, Ellison announced all of them. Yes, yes. I'm trying I want to make I want to every one of them.
SPEAKER_01We can't forget Patty too. No, Patty, she's Patty. You're gonna you have to come see Patty.
SPEAKER_00And and Paul Chambers, uh, he's also one of the guys, and he's he's wonderful. And it's his sister, Patty, that that's in there.
SPEAKER_06Twin sister.
SPEAKER_00I know, and she's uh all right. I I I can't even tell you, every single person has their moment. Um the biggest thing I always tell um my cast is I want him to be real. And whether it's a comedy, whether it's a musical, you're real. And everybody has emotions. Universally, emotions are there. So we tap in as a character to those emotions and it's gonna resonate with somebody. And that's what that's what it is. And this show will definitely do that. There's many, many, many things that are gonna happen that people are gonna resonate with, and I think be moved by or be comforted by, um, and just leave feeling good.
SPEAKER_04Wonderful. We we talked about um Kathy doing costumes, who's doing the set design and who's been involved with that. Okay.
SPEAKER_00Speaking of Julie, that's I lucked out there, boy. I really did. And it's a fabulous, he's got a great set design. I can't tell you. When when they actually do the full Monty, they're on a stage and the lights are gonna come, the doors are gonna open, the lights come on. Oh my gosh, it's so exciting. And he's got a car that he brings on that they made. It's a fake car.
SPEAKER_06And uh Volkswagen bug.
SPEAKER_00Yes.
SPEAKER_06Which is my dream car, and they didn't even know.
SPEAKER_00And Malcolm gets to do that scene. And it's what a great, what a great time that is with you in that car. And then these two guys, uh it's very good. It's very good. So the set is wonderful. And uh, like I said, uh Phil's doing some of the uh music for the set. And uh we have you know the usual uh Debbie uh and Gracie and uh Sage is taking pictures and wonderful, doing some publicity and running front of our stage manager Alex. Yes, okay. Alex I I I begged to her to come back. She did uh raisin with me. Yeah. And uh so I I loved having her and I I had to wait for some of these people uh because they were busy with other things, but they were worth waiting for.
SPEAKER_04Uh it it really well that's important when you're putting together your cast, yeah, and and the people that are supporting you, you need to feel comfortable with that.
SPEAKER_08Exactly.
SPEAKER_04And and and that I think that helps with the magic and wonder. What I what I'm really excited and and and um because it doesn't happen often because sometimes you see the same actors over and over again, but to have you know three that have not been on our stage yet, um, I love that. And and three not just starting out, like you've got a you've done a little bit, it sounds like so.
SPEAKER_01How many shows was that, Justin? I for I forgot.
SPEAKER_06I didn't so is five.
SPEAKER_04Oh, and and how many? Hundreds.
SPEAKER_06Hundreds I can't count past eight.
SPEAKER_04Talk to his publicist. You guys do a show in England. Oh, we got some flexing going on here. But to me, this is the energy that we need. Right? We need the new energy coming in with the people that you've absolutely that have been around, um, because that's what's going to bring more people back, right? Because an audience comes in, they see the obvious connection, they receive that, and then you know, the old shampoo commercial they tell two friends, and then we have that opportunity to um, you know, to grow. And I think that's really important. So we open on April 17th, is this correct? And we go through May 3rd.
SPEAKER_08That's it.
Set Design Highlights And Crew Shoutouts
SPEAKER_04And we have um, I would imagine most of the adult shows do uh opening night gala and a talk back.
SPEAKER_00Is that all we have a gala uh on opening night, and the next night is um uh the Saturday, Sunday is the talk back right after the show. That's our matinee, and then we have the talk back. And uh I think it should be very interesting. I'm pretty sure they're gonna want to talk to them and see how it was. Yes, I I I know they uh it it's just it's so fun. I I don't get it.
SPEAKER_04We need to have a bonus episode, honestly, of just all this stuff that's been going on uh behind here.
SPEAKER_01Sorry, we're just discussing what we're gonna wear for the talk back because it's at the end of the show, so we figure we'd stay in our costumes.
SPEAKER_00I think it's if they're in robes at that point.
SPEAKER_04It's it's important to coordinate ahead of time.
SPEAKER_05Yes. And a very nice sock.
Final Plugs And Where To Follow
SPEAKER_04And the tickets are on sale or going to be on sale soon. April the fourth. April the fourth. So hopefully uh we'll see if this episode gets out before then, but they do go on sale on April 4th. Yes. And you can go to chinocommunity theater.org or you can call the box office at 909-590-1149. Uh, for those of you that are in the Inland Empire and and would love to come and be a part of this. And as mentioned, we have an opening gala on the first night, and then we also have the talk back, which is on Sunday. Right. Correct? Uh, so we would love for you to come and see the full Monty and see the full Monty, but more importantly, see these wonderful actors that have um obviously a love for what they're doing and a connection and a camaraderie, and it sounds like that goes throughout the cast and the crew. And so that's wonderful. And for those of you that are out there, we've got to do our little plugs. It's really important. If you're liking what you're hearing, please follow us. Please share individual episodes, share the show. Um, please rate no matter what you're on, Apple, Spotify, whatever podcast platform you're on, those ratings really, really help. And the reviews really, really help, right? We don't have an incredible marketing budget, so the marketing budget is me talking to you right now. So uh please do your we we love that we're getting listeners all across the the not only United States but in other parts of the world. But those little things help, so we appreciate it. So the full Monty, April 17th through May 3rd, again, chinocommunity theater.org or call the box office at 909-590-1149. Get your tickets, get them now, come check this production out. Tony, Justin, Ralph, Sam, thank you so much.
SPEAKER_05Thank you.
SPEAKER_04Thank you for not only being with us here today, but obviously taking time out of your lives to be a part of this production. The energy is amazing, you guys. I love it. Keep it up, can't wait to see it, and thank you all so much.
SPEAKER_00Love you, love you, love you, Kirk.
SPEAKER_04Thanks for listening to Steps to the Stage, a 7th Street Community Theater podcast. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review and a five-star rating. It really helps. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Special thanks to Chino Community Theater and Chino Community Children's Theater for their generous support. And very special thank you to the listeners. Steps to the Stage was created by Joey Rice and Kirk Lane. Logo created by Marley Lane. Original music by Joey Rice. Your host, Kirk Lane. Engineer and producer, Joey Rice. Engineer and executive producer, Kirk Lane.
