A scene from “The Full Monty” is shown. The musical is being presented at Northern Michigan University’s Forest Roberts Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. (Submitted photo)

They’ve got the Goods! down at Northern Michigan University’s production of “The Full Monty”! Held in the capable and talented hands of director, Keli Crawford-Truckey, this show will leave you with a range of honest emotions, humming tunes the whole way home.

When a local steel plant is shut down and work is scarce and menial, what is a man supposed to do to support the people he loves? For the show’s two most central men, the answer is to perform a one-night-only strip show. They hold auditions for said show, add four more men to their ranks and begin rehearsals with a veteran of the by-gone days of show biz. The problem? Well…they’re not very good. And they don’t really seem the type. In order to sell tickets to compete with the local Chippendales, they decide to go Full Monty (undressing completely), and, each in their own way, the men must overcome their insecurities. Navigating the struggles of loneliness, divorce, self-confidence, self-image and marriage, these men, create a story that is not just about a strip show, but about relationships and the importance of community. Its real, its honest and it takes guts.

We are first introduced to Jerry Lukowski, brought to life with a raw and emotional performance by Brady Skewis. Not only does Skewis capture the struggles of Jerry with grit and depth, his powerful vocals bring a captivating weight to the reality of this character. He makes every right choice with his acting and follows his instincts on the stage. Jerry, recently laid off from his job and needing to make money to pay child support, comes up with the idea of the strip show. His son Nathan, convincingly and thoughtfully played by local youth performer, Roenak Ghiardi, wants nothing more than for his dad to succeed and is by his side every step of the way. Even when his mother, captured by the talented force of Hanna Numinen, tries to keep him away.

Opposite Jerry, stands his fellow unemployed best friend, Dave Bukatinski, who is struggling with his own set of issues. Mainly, self-image and a marriage that seems to be barely holding itself together. Nick Salin gives a convincing performance, not only in his strong vocals, but also in his onstage relationships, capturing the insecurities Dave is faced with and the feelings he has for his wife, Georgie, powerfully played by Kortney Manchip. (Wow, can that girl sing!) Somewhat hesitant, Dave joins in on Jerry’s idea to create this one-night-only strip show.

Soon they are joined by Malcolm MacGregor, played by Seth Bowen. Malcolm finds his life meaningless and lonely. After being saved by Dave and Jerry from a suicide attempt, he finds that he does have friends and that maybe his life does have meaning afterall! Bowen captures every emotion Malcolm experiences, and gives a truly moving performance. His pure, heart-felt vocals and believable acting will leave tears in your eyes.

They join forces with Harold Nichols, another ex-steel plant worker, played by Will Smith, who cannot bring himself to tell his wife that he has been laid off. Smith’s facial expressions and comedic timing will have you laughing in your seat. His wife, Vicki Nichols is played by Adrianna Stephens. She is funny, she is spunky and man, can she sing too! (The female actors in this show are undeniable powerhouses).

The four men then join forces with show-biz veteran accompanist Jeanette to help them hold auditions for the strip show. And no one is a better fit for this role than local actress and true show-biz veteran Faye Elder. Elder is an absolute delight as she dances and sings her way about the stage, throwing out one sassy quip after another, each one perfectly timed and thought out. She’s not playing Jeanette, she is Jeanette. And it’s a treat.

Finally, the strip show is cast, as Ethan Girad and Noah “Horse” T. Simmons join the gang. Eric Mackall brings a certain joy to the stage as Ethan, with stunning vocals and good comedic timing, he is a joy to watch and is clearly having the time of his life in this role! Marcus Bechek exudes charisma and charm in his role as Horse, as well as having a very pure and powerful voice- Watch him work!

Other actors of note include Audree Stephens as Estelle and Benjamin Bures as Buddy “Keno” Walsh. Stephens is spirited and lively in her role, and is right at home in a cast of such powerful and vocally gifted women. What makes this show truly come to life, is it’s extremely talented cast of ensemble members. Sometimes, as audience members, we tend to glance over the ensemble when we look at the program. But don’t make that mistake here. These actors are the driving force behind the show as a whole. They are talented, believable and bring 110% to the stage. Standout ensemble members include Zoe Zimmer, John Fatla and Jacob Laitinen.

As I mentioned before, this show is directed by the unparalleled force that is Keli Crawford-Truckey. She has transformed this show into a story told with grit and grace and heart. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill musical, Crawford-Truckey has given us something real. Something we can all relate too. With upbeat, lively choreography by Jill Grundstrom and musical direction from Caitlin Palomaki, this show is a triple-threat all in itself.

A well-designed, and seamlessly moving set design by Lex van Blommestein showcases the raw emotions that the characters are navigating, and the lighting design by Matt Weber ties it all together. Taylor Ehle proves to us that her eye for color and character is unmatched, as the actors come to life in their fun and eye-catching costuming.

All in all, this show isn’t just about a bunch of regular guys becoming strippers, though it is partially about that. When it all comes down to it, this show is about community and friendship. It’s about finding out that we are not truly alone in the struggles we face. When hard times hit, as they often do, we can feel isolated, depressed- wading deeper and deeper into a sense of loneliness. But so often we are not alone. We are surrounded by people who understand, people who are right there in the trenches with us. And when we put ourselves out there, opening up and being real with one another, that is where relationship begins. That is what this show is about, holding each other up, and holding each other through.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday at Forest Roberts Theatre. This show does contain adult language, nudity, and adult themes.

Editor’s Note: Teagan Sturmer is a local actor and director.