Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...When Kokandy Productions staged a red-hot revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins” at Theater Wit last year, it served as yet another reminder that this city is now home to a slew of small companies with formidable musical theater chops and big ambitions. As if to seal the deal, Kokandy has returned to Theater Wit with a rousing, boldly intimate take on “The Full Monty,” that jazzy blue collar musical that moves to the beat of David Yazbek’s audacious score and supremely smart lyrics, and features a solid book by Terrence McNally that is an Americanized version of the hit 1997 British film."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Terrence McNally's lean script and songwriter David Yazbeck's jazz-inflected score (crisply played by an eight-piece band under Kory Danielson's excellent musical direction) push the story forward with a shrewd mix of sentiment, salty comedy, and some surprisingly sharp commentary on gender roles, body image, and the emotional effects of long-term unemployment. (If anything, the show has more resonance now than when it premiered in 2000.) Garret Lutz, Scott Danielson, George Toles, Greg Foster, Randolph Johnson, and Eric Lindahl deliver nuanced, emotionally honest performances as the men, and Caron Buinis is hilarious as their elderly, wisecracking accompanist, the ultimate showbiz survivor."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...In the meantime, there's still plenty of fun in the prospect of amateur dancers instructed in burlesque bump-and-grind by their former factory supervisor to piano accompaniment supplied by a geriatric vaudevillian arriving with salty show-biz stories ranging from Las Vegas to Atlantic City. On opening night, the vocals on David Yazbek's jazz-based score were a bit hesitant ( excepting Colette Todd, Randolph Johnson and George Toles, who belt for the rafters from the first breath and never let up ), but by the time act one closes with "Michael Jordan's Ball," our parable is stepping briskly toward its happy ending-in every sense."
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...The musical is based on the 1997 British indie film of the same name. McNally and Yazbek shift the group of former steelworkers from Sheffield to Buffalo, but indicated the time as “the present”; clues like the Act I closer, “Michael Jordan’s Ball,” in which the guys imitate His Airness as a method of learning to move, reinforce as much."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...No "half-monty," this likable tale of losers picking up the pieces gets intimately performed on Ashley Ann Woods' runway/proscenium combo, a sprawling set that takes the hijinks deep into the audience. So does the show, winningly shaped by Kory Danielson's musical direction and Danny Spagnuolo's down-to-earth choreography. But then everything at Theater Wit's Stage 3 is made-to-order, totally tailored to the determined decency of Buffalo's best."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...The songs are bouncy but the entire show plays too long, the plot is razor-thin. This show could be just as funny as a straight comedy as the songs seem to get in the way.yet the eight piece orchestra sounde peppy especially when performing the jazz-infused numbers. The choreography and movement by Daniel Spagnuolo enhances the comedy adding some depth to the story. I jeasily cared enough about these guys because the six exuded loads of heart. Rightfully , most of the opening night audience found the guys to be empathetic enough to cheer their plight. That is the critical consideration that makes this musical entertaining. The sheer energy and sincerity of the 20 person cast made for a fun night of musical theatre."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...The Full Monty is a fun, raunchy, and surprisingly heartfelt show. It has some great messages about gender roles, class struggles, and prejudice. This is definitely a show that needs to be seen and enjoyed. As the name suggests, this is not a show for children. But if you want to see a funny, emotional and fulfilling musical, this is it."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Attending the performance right after the "opening night" can be a let-down. Often the cast has been working so hard for the press night that the air leaks out for the second performance. Tonight, I watched Kokandy Productions present their production of "The Full Monty" and was not aware that this was the night after- in fact, the intensity and energy was as if THIS was THE opener. I am proud to say, that under the skillful eye of director John D. Glover, this movie turned into a stage musical exceeded my expectations. The only reason that this does not get the 5th star is that it is not suitable for all ages and the music itself is not what a good musical should have."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...A musical that offers a touching, funny story that average theatergoers can relate to, and a score that sends them out of the theatre humming and smiling, is just what we need these days. This relatively young theatre company keeps topping itself by offering seldom-produced, excellently performed musicals that impress, inspire and thoroughly entertain, while challenging its actors and artists to reach for new heights. With the exception of some difficult staging, this musical about real people is a real winner and should prove a popular Spring offering for Chicago audiences."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Director John D. Glover is the mastermind behind this blockbuster-worthy show. Glover impressively orchestrates the action within the intimate space of Theater Wit. Scenic Designer Ashley Ann Woods creates a gritty feel of a town financially oppressed. The backdrop has moving dingy walls and a grungy urinal. The look is very dirty dude oriented. For the big number, 'Let It Go,' Woods rolls out the stage as a catwalk. Glover and Choreographer Daniel Spagnuolo keep this show in-your-face especially for the front rows. The big stripping finale has the six guys singing and gyrating within grabbing distance of many of the audience members. The high-spirited ending is a dazzling climax."
