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Dynamic musicals onstage locally
Theater groups presenting 'Full Monty,' 'Rent'

The theater season kicks into high gear this month, with Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre's production of "The Full Monty" opening tomorrow night at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, and Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre's "Rent" starting next week at Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton.

"The Full Monty" is the story of unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo who, after seeing how much their wives enjoy watching male strippers during their girls' night out, come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process they find renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun.

The musical, which is rated R for adult language and situations, plays Jan. 19-Feb. 3. For tickets, call 373-6800, visit the Bankhead box office at 2400 First St. in Livermore, or go to www.trivalleyrep.org.

"Rent," based loosely on Puccini's opera, "La Boheme," tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The Broadway show was the ninth longest running show in Broadway history and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Musical.

"Rent" is about "community, support, love .... the telling of personal stories we can all relate to," said award-winning director Jasen Jeffrey.

He praised the intimate Firehouse theater, saying it makes the performances that much more powerful, plus with the professional set and lighting design, "you will get the idea that this is a raw, gritty, downtown New York, eclectic bohemian atmosphere."

The show runs Jan. 25-Feb. 10. For tickets, call 931-4848, visit the box office at 4444 Railroad Ave., or go to www.pcrtproductions.org. After the 2 p.m. matinee Jan. 27 there will be a discussion with the director and actors, "Inside the Show."