A Note From the Director: Leigh Barrett

The Full Monty director Leigh Barrett is a beloved Boston based actor, singer & director, having recieved two Independent Reviewers of New England (I.R.N.E) awards, three Elliot Norton Awards for Outstanding Actor, as well as the 2018 Elliot Norton Prize for Sustained Excellence.

Check out the director's note below to get Leigh's take on this much loved story of friendship, hope, and vulnerability.

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

"The Full Monty”. Definition: the full amount expected, desired, or possible. Slang: to take off all your clothes in front of other people.

The title itself, The Full Monty, represents not just the literal act of “baring it all” but also the full extent of what is expected, desired, or possible. It's a story that goes beyond the surface, exploring the motivations and challenges of a group of unemployed steelworkers who find themselves at a crossroads. While I was familiar with the film version, I was less familiar with the musical. What I was drawn to about both, was the idea of their choices… or lack thereof. What circumstances place them on this particular path? The idea of a universal struggle and vulnerability with our own perception of success, of masculinity, and of self-worth, highlighted by the universal theme of facing challenges head-on and finding unexpected sources of strength and friendship was also intriguing. While the story primarily focuses on the male characters, the women of The Full Monty are not just tropes or props. They challenge the stereotypical position of female presenting characters by placing their narrative in an often stereotypical male dominated space. 

In this production, I invite you to challenge your own perceptions and expectations of gender, body, race, sexuality, age, & economic circumstance. I encourage you to look beyond the obvious and discover our common humanity and resilience. You’ll discover that so much more is revealed as they find the courage to be fully themselves.

It has been such a joy to create this world with this team and I offer so much gratitude to the cast, crew & the company of The Umbrella Arts Center! Especially Kat, Najee, Luke, Michael, Jenna, Rebecca, PJ, Gabbie, Liam, Kira, Kayleigh, Cathie & Brian.  

Thank you for joining us, 
Leigh

The Full Monty rehearsal photos by Jim Sabitus