Sandbox Theater Company’s Spamalot is Right Funny

By Jennifer Mustoe and Tyrone Svedin

The Sandbox Theater Company, located in Midvale, has switched up its usual fare and is presenting Monty Python’s Spamalot, at the Midvale Performing Arts Center. In the past, STC has brought us Joseph, Annie, Scarlet Pimpernel, and Beauty and the Beast, so producing a show that is definitely rated PG-13 is something a little different. But because I like different, I’m glad they did.

Here’s what I loved about this show:

I love the space, and the set for Spamalot is rather elaborate and very effective. Kudos to Set Construction and Designer Curt Stowell.

They use a live band, which is WONDERFUL, and a super big nod to trumpet player Samantha Goodman for getting the show to a rollicking great start with her solo at the beginning. Awesome!

The costumes were amazing, and this is a heavily costumed show. There were knight costumes, Monk costumes, ballgowns and wedding gowns galore, Roaring Twenties costumes, and much more. All were glittering, sparkling, and great. Cathy Carroll, Costumer and Ensemble member had her work cut out for her and did a great job. (Where DID she get all those gowns?)

Karyn Tucker, the director, had 34 people to cast, block, and work with. This is a lot of people, and she has done a lot right. Primarily, the cast looked like they were having a blast. Doing a community theater musical takes a lot of time, a lot of effort and can either be a joy or a huge drag. It’s clear Tucker got her cast motivated to have fun and bring fun to the audience. I watched carefully and during all the ensemble numbers, the cast either had the big smiles necessary for that piece, or were in character as was needed.

The dance numbers, choreographed by Tiffany Boyle, were very basic, which is wise unless you have lots of serious dancers. The pieces that had all the knights were hilariously campy and clunky, which worked for the show, and were my favorite.

The music, directed by Lynn Chatterton, had some bumps, but the ensemble numbers were clear, raucous, and lots of fun. Several of the leads didn’t have mics, and I think it would have been better if there had been more electronics for this show. Getting the sound right above a live band is tough, and when you add the huge amounts of laughter from the audience, some lines and musical solos get lost.

King Arthur, played by Wade Walker, was fantastic. He has a clear tenor voice, a perfect Arthur type face, and played the part with just enough comedy but enough regality (that isn’t a word but I’m making it up) to be The King of the Britons in a Monty Python-ish sort of way.

Madman Madriaga plays Patsy and I’m a big Madman fan, having seen him in numerous Salty Dinner Theater productions. He is so big in his comedy, he was perfectly cast for this role. His nuanced movements, his facial expressions all combine to make him a very enjoyable performer to watch.
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McKenna Walker’s Lady of the Lake had the panache and swagger of the Diva she must be. Her vocals were a little weaker than Arthur’s, so during those duets, she got out-sung a bit. She is lovely, graceful, and fun, and brought a lot of style to the show. Probably the only style, as that’s the kind of show it is!

All the other knights were really funny, but my favorite was Sir Galahad, played by Jeff Davis. I challenge him to actually grow his hair as long as the wig he wore. He seemed to really enjoy having those long locks. Dallin Lews, who played several parts, also really shone for his varied performances.

In closing, I will mention a few things about this show. It is not for little kids. It is long and a little slow in parts. But there are a few hells, one SH word, and a whole number about homosexuality. Though “it’s all in fun,” the discussion on the drive home may not be one you want to have with your six-year-old.

Because I went on opening night, as I said, the show was a little slow, but I’m sure it will tighten up as the run progresses. However, the show has been cleaned up a little, and if you have ever wanted to see Spamalot without so much risque-ness (another word I’m making up), this would be a good time to go see it. And the audience laughed the entire show, so it’s lots of fun and worth seeing, if Monty Python is your kind of thing.

Play dates are:

May 6-25, Mon, Thurs, Fri, Saturday at 7:30 PM, Saturday matinee on May 18th at 2:00 PM.

$10.00-$12.00

385-202-5027

http://www.sandboxtheatrecompany.org/