It’s a story about love, community and the search for self-acceptance. Saskatoon Summer Players (SSP) kicks off the company’s 60th anniversary with The Full Monty  at the Broadway Theatre presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

“When people hear The Full Monty, they are immediately excited because they think about the stripping aspect. This story is so much more.”

The musical follows the story of six unemployed steelworkers who decided to present a strip show to make some quick cash. Lorna Batycki says she wasn’t interested in directing this show until she read the script.

“When people hear The Full Monty, they are immediately excited because they think about the stripping aspect,” says Batycki. “This story is so much more. It’s about perseverance. Everyday people getting through life’s challenges and coming out stronger than before.”

Cast of The Full Monty are ready to bare it all on stage in hit musical. (l-r) Tyler Campbell, Andrew Linsley, Rob Armstrong / Caitlyn Ursaki

“No one’s doing this for money or fame, we are just a bunch of friends who simply love to perform.”

For six decades, the strength found in community has been front and centre for the SSP. Each of the company’s shows are produced, directed and performed by volunteers giving local talent a chance to share their love of musical theatre. Andrew Linsley was 12 when he first stepped onto the SSP stage in Oliver! (2001). The Full Monty marks his 14th show with the company and he’s excited to play “Jerry”.

“No one’s doing this for money or fame, we are just a bunch of friends who simply love to perform,” Linsley says. And when asked about baring it all on stage he says, “I didn’t have too many trepidations about the stripping because we are all in this together. The ‘am I too fat, too skinny or weird looking’, all of that goes out the window because what matters is our friendship and family in the story. Those hangups don’t matter when there are bigger things at stake.”

Batycki has been involved with the SSP for 30 years and says it’s a joy to be a part of the Saskatoon Summer Players.

“All of us have day jobs and sometimes when you get to rehearsal you’re tired or stressed but, when you leave, you feel so much better.” Batycki explains, “We share an experience with each other that we don’t get to in our regular lives. You connect with each other and it releases all those happy endorphins.”

In both the script and in real life, The Full Monty is a show about ordinary people creating a fun night out for the whole community. It’s a chance to cheer on your neighbours as they fearlessly hit the stage together to share a love of performance.