February 15, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Harry Keaney
Reports have been circulating in Queens for some time now that a number of Irish male dancers have been covertly swinging, swaggering, strutting and even stripping in various locations throughout the New York borough. However, no one has, to date, been successful in spotting or cornering the roaming Romeos.
The seven men involved – Sean Rice, Maurice O’Connor, Mickey Fitz, Ned Kelly, Eugene Kyne, Aidrian McDermott and P_draic O’Sullivan – have, in fact, been rehearsing their own version of “The Full Monty.” But it’s just not a fun production; rather it’s a benefit for the Devin Groome Fund, which will take place June 6 in the Irish Rover Pub, 37-18 28th Ave., Astoria, Queens. Donation is $20.
Devin Groome is a 3-year old toddler who, at 13 months, was diagnosed with cystimosis, a disease caused by a build-up of amino acids. He has already has had a number of surgeries and recently suffered cardiac arrest. For more than a month he has been in intensive care and is on a ventilator. His parents are facing massive medical bills.
The original “Full Monty” movie portrayed a group of unemployed British steel workers who decided to dance and tease their way to fame and fortune. Since then, a “Full Monty” craze has developed.
“We all saw the “Full Monty” and we were joking with the lads who come in here from construction sites,” Larry Watson, a barman in the Irish Rover said. Then followed the idea of doing a “Full Monty” show for charity.
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Watson revealed that two women, Liz O’Connell and Marie O’Connor, have been coaching and instructing the seven men who will perform on June 6 in the Irish Rover.
“They are being schooled by two women who teaches them the steps and moves, and getting them in sync. The guys couldn’t do it on their own. They’re really putting their heart into it,” Watson said. “It’s not just that they get up on the stage and do it. They are dressed in uniform, kinda like the Blues Brothers, black jackets and pants, white shirts, black ties and sunglasses.”
Velcro will facilitate easy removal of the garments during the show’s routine.
The day after the Irish Rover’s “Full Monty” show, another benefit for the Devin Groome Fund will take place in the Tower View from 4-9 p.m.
For information, call (718) 278-9372.