The Pitmen Painters
American Stage, 163 3rd St. N., St. Pete. Through August 14. July 20: $15 presale; pay-what you can at the door. All others: Tickets start at $39. 727-823-PLAY. americanstage.org.
Remember the British comedy, The Full Monty? American Stage’s production of The Pitmen Painters is almost like that, except really, it’s not, British humor and the story of how working class men can triumph, but still… not the same, although I guess you could argue those Full Monty guys were artists, too… Actually, this sounds better — a group of miners exasperates their WEA instructor (think of it as a lifelong learning program) when he tries to teach them about art and they want him to explain every painting. They, of course, go on to become art world sensations, and must make the harder-than-it-looks decision between fame and community. This opens on July 20, which is pay-what-you-can (at the door, if the box office has any left) night, so take advantage of the first night.
This article appears in Jul 21-28, 2016.