Full Throttle Monty

Six unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo, New York are at a stalemate in their unproductive lives. They're all broke, with no work prospects in sight. A "lightbulb" moment takes place when they catch their wives amongst
a crowd of crazed women at a male strip club. The unlikely sextet and their "varying physiques" set out to make some quick cash by becoming strippers as they show off their "assets."

Tyler Miclean portrays Malcolm MacGregor, a shy, gay, unemployed mill worker. MacGregor feels like a complete loser. He still lives at home with his mother, a fact that motivates him to muster up the courage to audition and become one of the strippers.

Miclean, a Los Angeles based actor, writer, director and jibster, is a recent graduate of USC's School of Dramatic Arts and School of Cinematic Arts with a BA in Theatre and a minor in Screenwriting. His most recent collaborations include Cabrillo Music Theatre's production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and USC's production of "Ring Around The Moon."

How did you get your start in theatre?

When I was seven years old, I secured a role in my church's Spring musical by upon hearing the news that I had not been cast-weeping disappointedly in front of the director-until she divided the role that my brother had received into two parts. It's hard to recall a time when I was not engaged in storytelling and attempting to be someone other than who I am.

As a straight man playing a gay character, what will be the biggest challenge in pulling off the role?

I think anybody, any kind of person, can be heterosexual and anybody can be homosexual. Across all demographics and cultures you find those two categorizations present. The acting challenge will not come from any overwhelming attempt to pull off what most people traditionally think of, when it comes to a closeted homosexual man. The attempt, as with any role, is to make him real for the audience... The human and universal thoughts, reasonings and compulsions of this human being. He is a depressed person because of a lack of something, so I'll need the audience to have some idea of what the character is lacking. The Malcolm/Ethan relationship is perhaps where my focus should linger.

Tell us about the relationship between Ethan and Malcolm.

Malcolm and Ethan both need somebody. They are both blessed with similar interests and passions, "The Sound of Music," etc., which helps them notice each other and create a friendship. Before there is a romance, there is a friendship and Ethan becomes Malcolm's first best friend. Ethan is there as Malcolm becomes more comfortable in his own shoes, emotionally aiding him and Malcolm is there for Ethan, as well.

This production has been extremely popular because of the storyline. What do you consider the ultimate message of the script?

There is solidarity in tragedy. Your struggles are not solely your own. There is so much you can do to ease another's burden and by doing so, you ease your own in the process.

How do you feel about stripping down to nothing and baring it all on stage during the last split second of the show?

I know how I want to feel about it... proud that it is for a good cause. I'm sticking to that until any new feelings surface. I was conflicted at first because of my religious beliefs, but I am working through that because the show's message is inspiring, genuine, beautiful and simply not gratuitous. I think we are all working hard to make sure we get that part right.

"The Full Monty" runs Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Redondo Beach.

It will continue from Friday, April 22 through Sunday, May 8, at the Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman in Fullerton. For tickets and more information at both locations, call 714.589.2770 or go to 3dtshows.com