Naked Boys Singing DVD

This bawdy burlesque demonstrates the difference between naked and "naked." The musicians of Barenaked Ladies perform fully clothed. The "happy Hollywood hyphenates" of Naked Boys Singing! perform fully un-clothed. In the filmed version of Robert Schrock’s enduring revue, a 10-man troupe picks up where The Full Monty left off. First, they shed their clothes as they enter LA's Hayworth Theater. Once on stage, they start the party with the The Chorus Line-like come-on, "Tonight you finally get what you paid for!" Throughout the set, the diverse array of physically fit men wax poetic on topics ranging from nude housekeeping (Kevin Stea's "Naked Maid") to cultural traditions (Joe Souza's "The Bliss of Bris"). A hint of wistfulness aside, like original cast member Vincent Zamora's "Window to Window," the vibe is lighthearted and upbeat. Most of the 16 ditties follow the show-tune template, with the exception of Jaymes Hodges's country-flavored "Nothin' but the Radio On" and Anthony Manough's disco-oriented "Muscle Addiction." (13 writers receive credit, including Bruce Vilanch). Some performances are solo; others include two or more participants, like locker room lament "Fight the Urge" and opening salvo "Gratuitous Nudity." Gay-friendly and body-positive, Naked Boys Singing! embodies truth in advertising. The show was recorded in front of a live audience and the entire repertoire--except Jason Currie's soft-shoe "Robert Mitchum"--features full-frontal nudity. Taking into account the options of "pause" and "zoom," a behind-the-scenes documentary offers an additional advantage over the in-the-flesh viewing experience.