Elmira Little Theatre will hold auditions for the hilarious musical The Full Monty on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at 7pm and Sunday, July 22, 2007, at 1pm & 5pm at Dancer’s Alley, 94B Old Ithaca Rd, Horseheads, NY.  The show will kick off ELT's 2007-2008 season the last weekend in September and first weekend of October this year.

Based on the Oscar-winning film, The Full Monty tells the story of five unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, NY, who come up with a bold way to come up with some quick cash to tide their families over:  become male-strippers like the ones their wives and girlfriends pay to watch on their "girls' nights out."  As the guys wrestle with the question of whether or not they will go the "full monty" (will they take everything off at the end of their act?), they work through their fears, self-consciousness, feelings of worthlessness and anxieties, and come to discover that not only are they stronger as a group, but that the strength they find in each other gives them the individual courage to face their demons and overcome them.

The production will be directed by Meghan O'Toole Tuazon, who appeared in last season's The Spitfire Grill and Play It Again, Sam.  When asked what drew her to this Tony-winning musical, Tuazon said, "The strength of The Full Monty is its truthfullness. Although a complete comedy, the gritty reality of six unemployed steel mill workers also makes the story relatable and moving for the audience. The jokes are not just for jokes' sake, but humor growing out of real lives. There is something in this show for everyone to relate to:  unemployment, single parenting, self image, self worth. These men struggle, and we, the audience, get behind them and cheer our hearts out as they finally find the courage to believe in themselves!"

The show has great roles for both men and women, explained Jerry Holleran, the Chair of ELT's Play Selection Committee, "This is a show where emotions--and much else--are laid bare.  The cast is going to need to have the same kind of courage that their characters on stage exhibit.  You don't hear this said about musicals often, but this is a show that is going to give its cast a real chance to act--as well as sing, dance, and strip.  It's going to be an exciting challenge for any actor."

"We require a large cast," Tuazon said.  "Not just men, but at least seven women, as well. We are looking for performers of all ages and races to create this fantastic show!"  The show calls for six lead character men (ages 20’s to 60+, including one African-American), seven character roles for women (ages 20’s to 60+), one teenage boy (who can play 12 to 14 years old, no singing or dancing required), four additional men with speaking roles (no singing or dancing required), and one Chippendale-style dancer (speaking/dancing role, no singing).

People auditioning for singing roles should come prepared with a song, if you are auditioning for a singing role.  There will be a movement combination and readings from the script.  Copies of the script and music are available in the Corning Library and the Steele Memorial Library in Elmira.

Rehearsals for the show begin the week of August 12, 2007, at Dancer's Alley in Horseheads.  Performances will be September 28, 29, & 30, and October 4, 5, & 6, 2007 at the Clemens Center's Mandeville Hall.

For more information about the show and the auditions, you may contact director Meghan O'Toole Tuazon at (607) 846-0692 or visit www.elmiralittletheatre.com.