Anatomy Of Nails

Cabrillo Stage lets it all hang out with 'Full Monty'

They didn't build the beautiful Crocker Theater on the campus of Cabrillo College to host bachelorette parties. But this summer, from inside the Crocker, you might hear that distinct audience squeal that is usually only heard at such get-togethers.

When a production of "The Full Monty" is going well, it can easily conjure up that unique squeal -- you know the kind, sort of like the Beatlemania screech but a tad more guttural, with sharper nails -- and Cabrillo Stage's new production, the first offering in its 30th anniversary season, is pulling it off with aplomb.

The, um, cheeky stage musical opened Friday with the appropriately randy response from the largely female audience, and Cabrillo Stage again showed it can flat-out nail contemporary musical theater.

The play is, of course, based on the famous British film of the same name. This time, though, the unemployed men who form a Chippendales-like stripper act to regain a measure of their masculinity and self-respect are Americans, Buffalo factory workers to be exact.

The ringleader is Jerry, played with appealing swagger by Kyle Payne, who might remind you of a young Billy Crystal. Jerry is 32, trying vainly to escape his inner street punk. He's newly divorced and focused intently on how to keep seeing his teenaged son. Jerry's best friend is Dave Santa Cruzan Kevin High, a hefty fellow called a "fat bastard" by Jerry. The two eventually gather four more guys to raise money by doing what the Chippendales guys won't do -- go "the full monty," that is, completely nude.

You won't hear from this reviewer whether the guys fulfill that promise at the end or not. That's why they sell tickets. But "Monty" has much more on its mind than displaying beefcake. It's really a playful assault on the male ego, from body image to breadwinner ideal.

Some may find the play hopelessly vulgar, but I found it to be bracingly honest in nearly all aspects. It's full of profanity and contains about 1,000 references, clever and otherwise, to the male anatomy. But it's also fearless in that way. It merrily tramples through a lot of dangerous zones -- the male body, female desire, racial stereotypes, homosexuality -- and it does so with no prissy euphemisms. It's a brawny, plainspoken, dirty-minded comedy of the best kind. It's a shot of whiskey where you might expect a wine spritzer. It's definitely not for children or similarly tender souls.

Ironically, in a cast full of guys, two of the most memorable performances were from women. Alice Hughes presented what I thought was the greatest single song performance of the night, as a well-to-do middle-aged housewife exuberantly expressing her love for her life and her man in "Life With Harold." Similarly, Claire Hodgin was dynamite as the salty, aged show-biz burnout Jeanette, who helps the boys in rehearsals. Introducing the strippers near the end of Act Two, she cracked, "Ladies and gentlemen, I have some bad news for you. I won't be taking my clothes off tonight." The audience roared with mock disappointment.

Oooh Snap! First Half Down...Catching Up With Marti - NAILS Blogs

The newest post is always on top. If you missed a post, click under the "Archives" heading in the lefthand column. (You can also search by blogger name; just click the person’s name under “Post Categories” to view their previous posts.) Your comments and questions are welcome, but they are moderated. Just click on the "Feedback" link under the post you want to talk about. Questions will be answered via the blog; you can read previous questions and answers by clicking on “Q&A” under “Post Categories.” The past month of nail technology school has been so stressful and very hard to juggle school, studies, and time with my daughter. I begged and felt so confident to hit the salon floor after watching all the demos, little did I know that I was getting thrown out there the next day after my last blog and I freaked! I felt nervous and not prepared. It was as if I was scared of the public; that's not like me at all. I am that person who is not frightened of the public, but when performing a service on a client it all changes. I became more critical of myself and felt like I could not do it. I had to and I did it and did it well. After that initial plunge it was a piece of cake. So far all of my clients have rescheduled and even give me tips. Last week I gave a hot oil manicure to an 8-year-old princess that was handing over her crown. She loved it and she and her mother are on my list now. I love people and love to make them feel happy and beautiful! Theory was a breeze in the beginning. I spoke of infection control — it was hard but nothing compared to anatomy. In fact, infection control made me want to take the universal precautions and make good use of non-latex gloves in the salon. For anatomy, I found out I have to learn in two weeks what the cosmetology students learn in 11 months; I will be tested two times. My first anatomy test I got 98% — big sigh. Just ask me any bone or muscle or nerve. My school teaches you the basics when it comes to practical. The art and fun nails (stiletto nails ) are up to me to learn myself using the basic techniques taught and I have done just that! Check out my pictures below and see if you can tell what I've taught myself. Please wish me luck through the second half of my schooling. I hear the material gets more challenging than anatomy. I can and will make this my success story. SNAP!

Handbook of physiology, for students and practitioners of medicine

Modern cosmetics, a practical handbook outlining the formulation and production of cosmetics as carried out by large and small volume producers. Contains hundreds of up-to-date formulas in actual use

Ferri's color atlas and text of clinical medicine

Human physiology

Lectures on anatomy, interspersed with practical remarks