The women of Full Monty

MANILA, Philippines - Viva Atlantis Theatricals heats up the summer with The full Monty, the heart-warming and well-loved musical based on the hit movie of the same title with a book by the multi-awarded Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by David Yazbek. 

Headlining the show are six men played by Mark Bautista, Arnell Ignacio, Marco Sison, Jamie Wilson, OJ Mariano and Niño Alejandro — unemployed mill workers whose last hope at some quick cash is to present themselves in a strip show at a local club. 

And where there are men doing the full monty, there will be women cheering them on. Viva Atlantis Theatricals is proudly announcing the wonderful women of The Full Monty. 

Ima Castro, fresh off her much-applauded appearance as Toine in the acclaimed Piaf, now plays Vicki Nichols the well-taken care of wife of Harold whose love for her husband runs as deep as her love for travel and Prada. “I am so happy to be in this show and constantly look forward to being in rehearsals so I can see everyone and the scenes they’ve done already. The show is hilarious and is naughty and I am in the company of such lovely people!” 

Sitti returns to the stage once again following her triumphant turn in Nine this time as Pam Lukowski, the former wife of Jerry who only wants him to give their son what is due him. “I am joyfully learning so much from playing Pam and from my co-actors. The fun moments of the show are really carried over into rehearsals and though we are laughing all the time, it’s so rewarding to see the work coming together.  Mark and everyone are doing a really great job!” 

Jay Glorioso, who has won two Aliw Awards for her work in In The Heights and A Little Night Music, is back on stage as the says-it-like-it-is, Jeannette Burmeister — who simply shows up, “piano and all” and assigns herself the piano player for the group.  “The Full Monty is risqué and outrageously funny.  And so are rehearsals. The show is really about conquering one’s fears through much camaraderie and love. It’s ALL heart!” 

And, Ciara Sotto, TV personality and Manila’s pole-dancing queen, makes her Viva Atlantis debut as Georgie Bukatinsky, Dave’s loving and long-ignored wife. “I was preparing myself for this being a wonderful experience and now that we are in the middle of rehearsals, I have to say it is surpassing all of my expectations. I am so thankful that I was chosen to play Georgie. I have long wanted to work with Atlantis and I must say it is definitely worth the wait!  And this show will definitely be worth seeing!” 

The Full Monty is directed by Chari Arespacochaga and runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater at the RCBC Plaza in Makati from April 19 to May 5. Tickets are on sale now. Fund-raising opportunities for interested showbuyers are still available. For details, call 892-7078 or 891-9999.