The play "The Full Monty" is a strip show of sorts.

With a suggestive title, JeDeMi Productions says "The Full Monty" is about more than a striptease. It's a show about friendship and finding yourself.

"The Full Monty" will begin its run at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Decatur Civic Center Theater. The play runs until Oct. 4.

The production centers around six steelworkers who suddenly become unemployed when the steel factory closes. Looking to make some quick cash, they concoct the idea to present a male strip act at a local club.

In the show, not only do the characters strip away their clothing, but they strip away their doubts and fears of themselves, revealing their true bare bones.

"It's a lot more than six guys taking off their clothes," director Mike Redlinger said. "It's really about six guys trying to find self-worth. Each one of the six guys goes through a turning point in their life in the show."

It's filled with tender moments, beautiful ballads and funny lines, he said.

" 'The Trailer Park Musical' was so over the top," Redlinger said of their previous musical show. " 'The Full Monty' isn't. It's a well-written storyline, a contemporary story with good music. "

Bill Cope plays the conservative Harold, one of the six men who become unemployed. Cope views the play as relevant, as individuals can relate to losing a job and then facing family struggles.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," he said.

With about 20 people, "The Full Monty" is the largest cast JeDeMi Productions has worked with. Several cast members are from Taylorville and Springfield.

Redlinger said it has been a challenge working around the cast's schedules. But, he says, "That's part of the process."

Another challenge arose when one of the main actors dropped out of the play. Redlinger decided to take on the part for the sake of time.

The cast was mainly formed through networking and word of mouth.

Kathy Fergin of Taylorville recruited four people for the show, including Taylorville residents Cope and Carson Becker, the youngest cast member, who plays Nathan. Fergin said they car pool for rehearsals.

"With the price of gas, you bet," she said with a laugh.

Fergin has never seen the play or movie version of "The Full Monty" but is discovering the story's true theme.

"This is a man's show," she said. "The men are taking a risk, having fun and finding male friendships are important."

Christopher Roberts was sought out by Redlinger with the specific need of an African-American male to play the role of Horse.

Being from Springfield, Roberts admits gas prices are high, but being a part of the production is well worth it. He has an undying passion for theater he is eager to pursue, no matter where he performs.

"Everybody in the cast is very nice, open and appreciative of what everyone has to offer," Roberts said. "Everyone's working on the same goal of putting on a great show for the people who come to see us."

WHAT: JeDeMi Productions presents "The Full Monty."

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 18 to 20, 25 to 27 and Oct. 2 to 4.

WHERE: Decatur Civic Center Theater.

TICKETS: $15; call 422-6161.

CAST: Jerry Johnson (Jerry); Mike Redlinger (Dave); Jesse Barfield (Malcolm); Bill Cope (Harold); Christopher Roberts (Horse); Aaron Largent (Ethan); Dena Sexton (Georgie); Kathy Fergin (Vicki); Jan Hooten (Jeanette); Carson Becker (Nathan); Dana Gruen (Pam); Rick Landgrebe (Teddy, Chorus); Joe Pajer (Keno, Chorus); Sue Powell (Estelle, Chorus); Alan Dobrinick (Reg, Chorus); Kim Kramer (Chorus); Joe Seitz (Chorus); Nancy Sullivan (Chorus); and Matt Wolter (Chorus). The director is Mike Redlinger.

aspates@herald-review.com|421-6986