A “cheeky little show with a lot of heart,” The Full Monty comes to the Broadway Theatre for five live performances Nov. 13-16 presented by Saskatoon Summer Players (SSP). The story of six unemployed steelworkers who decide to present a strip show to make some quick money was made famous in the 1997 movie starring Robert Carlyle and Tom Wilkinson. It was also adapted for the stage and nominated for a Tony award. For SSP, it’s a fitting celebration of its 60th year producing musical theatre using local volunteer talent. “When people hear ‘The Full Monty,’ they are immediately excited because they think about the stripping aspect,” said director Lorna Batycki. “This story is so much more. It’s about perseverance. Every day people getting through life’s challenges and coming out stronger than before.”

One of the stars of the show, Andrew Linsley, has performed with SSP since he was 12; this is his 14th appearance. “No one’s doing this for money or fame; we are just a bunch of friends who simply love to perform,” he said. Linsley added that he didn’t have too many trepidations about stripping. “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.” The Full Monty is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. The question is . . . will they keep their hats on?

Tickets are $30 for students and $35 for adults. To reserve, please visit www.saskatoonsummerplayers.ca.

-Joanne Paulson