"The Full Monty"
opens at DHT

"FULL MONTY" MEN: Elizabeth Harrison, front left, and Shawna Masuda celebrated with Brent Yoshikami, left, R. Andrew Doan, Vincent Green, Matthew Pennaz, Howard Bishop, John Rampage and Timothy Albrecht Friday after "The Full Monty" opened at Diamond Head Theatre. Pennaz stars as Jerry Lukowski, an unemployed steel worker who becomes a male stripper to catch up on the child support payments he owes his ex-wife. Bishop, Doan and Yoshikami have major supporting roles as three of the other unemployed "average guys" who agree to join him in showing "the full monty" on stage. Albrecht, director and choreographer of the DHT show, develops the poignant elements of the story as well as the comic and raunchy moments that lead up to the big final scene. DHT staffer Green said he'd had "too much to do" backstage to take a role as one of the strippers.

A HIT AS "HORSE": Cast members Malcolm Rolsal and Vanessa Manuel-Mazzullo enjoyed the post-show cast party at Town, an intimate restaurant in Kaimuki. Rolsal was an instant hit on opening night with his performance as Noah "Horse" Simmons, one of the six desperate men who become strippers. His showcase number, "Big Black Man," was one of the comic highlights. Manuel-Mazzullo graduates from ensemble roles at DHT with her well-rounded portrayal of loving but conflicted wife.

BROADWAY STYLE: Randl Ask, left, caught up with Andrew Sakaguchi, Joey Caldarone and Roland Marcum at the sponsors' reception at DHT before the show. Ask, a Broadway veteran, wore a coat and tie "because that's what they do there." Sakaguchi will direct "Runaways" at Mid-Pac later this season.

INSPIRATION, ANYONE?: Peter and Charlotte Skaaning, owners of Inspiration Furniture, shared a table with Star-Bulletin Vice President Dave Kennedy. The upscale pupus from Diamond Head Grill were a hit. Chocolate lovers went for seconds and thirds on the brownies.

THE SMART WOMEN WEAR BLACK: Amy Alston, left, Sarah Honda and Molly Watanabe of SMART Magazine looked great in black as they enjoyed the reception. The trio returns to DHT Thursday as hosts of a special "SMART Night Out: The Full Monty" event that begins with pupus, wine and prizes at 7 p.m. Call 733-0277 for details.