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Tri-State Theater

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Thursday, August 11, 2016

"Full Monty" Interview with Mike Naglee

    We're just a week away from the brash, funny and (perhaps) shocking premiere of the musical The Full Monty!

   It's the story of some working men who come up with an inventive scheme to earn money, as they are forced to drastic measures.

   We have several interviews with the cast to share, starting with the incredibly talented Mike Naglee

Q: Tell us about The Full Monty (including, what is a “Full Monty?”).

Mike: The Full Monty is a hilarious and heartfelt look at love, masculinity, and gender stereotypes. A group of steelworkers, feeling emasculated by their unemployment, discover that male strippers make good money. In a desperate bid for cash, and to recover some damaged part of their individual self-worth, the men decide to strip for a "one-night, limited engagement." Each man confronts and reconciles their fears, prejudices, and inner demons on the way to the show's revealing conclusion.

Q: Why did you want to tackle this show?

Mike: This show has been a favorite ever since I heard "Big Ass Rock" in college, 12 years ago.  I'm still flabbergasted and thankful that a company has the cajones to mount the production HERE, in Huntington (pun probably intended).

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play Jerry Lukowski, a man so behind on child support that he's about to lose joint custody of his 12-year-old son. A jerk and a bigot, Jerry's (redeeming?) love for his kid drives him to come up with a crazy, desperate money-making scheme.

Q: The show requires the leads to strip off their clothes - any concerns / fears / trepidation / sheer terror about that?

Mike: Absolutely. :)  Fortunately, I've spent a surprising and unsettling amount of time scantily-clad onstage in the past so it's not nearly as harrowing as it could be. The first line I uttered on Marshall's stage long ago was in my boxer shorts; it's kinda par for the course at this point. 

Q: Do you have a favorite song or scene in the show?

Mike: "Big Ass Rock" is probably my favorite, though "The Goods" is a close second.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Mike: I graduated from Marshall with my BFA in theatre in '04, and have been a member of ARTS Resident Company since its inception.  

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Mike: I love these people. It's a pleasure to work with a group so dedicated and inclusive, and each person is bringing their "A" game.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Mike: It's bold, brash, and crass with a pop-rock score, and it pulls no punches. It will pull on your heartstrings one minute and have you rolling the next. What other show are you going to see that advertises a Ladies Night? You'll laugh your socks off... and maybe more. ;)

   Thanks, Mike!

   The Full Monty - Arts Resources for the Tri State presents the musical comedy on Aug. 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Main Stage Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each for the show only, $30 each for dinner and the show - reservations are required for the dinner. Call 304-733-2787.

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