By Val O’Bryan
If you feel yourself getting bogged down by stress and overwhelmed by the problems of today’s modern world, you absolutely must take time out to laugh your cares away at The Stage Door’s Spamalot. This off-beat retelling of the Arthurian legend will give you the giggles and chase away your troubles.
The Stage Door always finds clever ways to transport the audience into a different reality. One way is the delightful themed decor of the entrance. The public is greeted with swords and flags designed to look like they are from the Middle Ages. Once you enter the theater, you will see a giant portcullis. Another thing that adds to the ambiance is the pre-show music, curated by director Joshua Scott. Your ears will register subtle music by medieval instruments, such as the lute, harpsichord, and flute. It might take you a minute, but your brain will recognize the tune, even though you can’t quite place it. Then it will hit you. You are hearing a medieval-inspired cover of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes or “Love Me Do” by The Beatles. This music is the perfect way to set the tone for the hilarious musical meta-comedy that juxtaposes the past and the present, the historical and fantastical.
The cast is filled with versatile comedic actors. The quick changes and slapstick humor make Spamalot roles challenging but this team pulls it off. Brennan Walters as the devoted Patsy and Dean Jones as the hapless Arthur have mastered the coconut horse galloping. Despite the silliness, Walters and Jones have lovely singing voices. Joel Thomas has some of the best facial expressions and spoken accents in the different parts he plays. He does a great job as Robin but one of my favorite moments was hearing Thomas as the skeptical sentry guard explain how swallows can’t carry coconuts. Thomas is also the music director for the show. The singing, along with the choreography by choreographer Shellie Thomas is outstanding. A clear fan favorite is “He Is Not Dead Yet.” Owen Scott plays an incredibly energetic almost-corpse who makes other surprising appearances later in the show. The ensemble includes Kevin Purcell, Richard Rose, Zach Billings, Dustin Hill, Abi Dugson, Caydance Wilson, Gwendolyn Scott, Tess Paxman, Shellie Thomas, and Amber De Petro.
This musical is different from the beloved movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail with the addition of the Lady of the Lake, played by Brooke Bang. Bang dazzles as the dramatic diva who continually steals the show. Her songs poke playful fun at the formulaic nature of Broadway stories and songs. The Lady of the Lake transforms the dissident Dennis into the knight Sir Galahad (Andy Young), with the help of the Laker Girls. Greg Belnap is another adaptable actor who plays Lancelot and several other characters. Of course, his Lancelot is fantastic, but his French taunter will have you in stitches. The addition of Sir Bedevere, played by Coy Andrew Shim, Jr., rounds out the knights-errant. Like others in the cast, Shim is highly versatile and plays multiple parts so keep your eye out for him. You would never recognize him otherwise because he completely transforms for each role.
The projection use is very creative for this show, designed by Joshua Scott. With minimal set pieces, the projections, lighting, and sound (by sound engineer Chops Downward) are foundational in establishing the setting. Taylor Nelson designed the lights and Dylan Frank is the light board operator. The Voice of God makes an appearance. Die-hard fans will recognize the voice of Eric Idle. There are innumerable nods to the Monty Python movie. Some are subtle, so keep an eye out for characters that show up but aren’t mentioned, and the movie-inspired costuming by designer Tonya Christensen and assistants Joy Thomas, Jalee Scott, and Shellie Thomas. However, the musical adaptation does stand on its own and newcomers to the Python universe will laugh just as hard.
Find your grail and enjoy The Stage Door’s Spamalot at The Electric Theater this fall. The fish-slapping, hand-grenade hurling, cow-catapulting fun will help you look on the bright side of life.
Note: There is a sign at the Electric Theater that indicates the show is rated PG-13 “for adult language, innuendo, alcohol use, art, and strobe.” There is a lot of cursing and misogynist insults.
The Stage Door Theater presents Monty Python’s Spamalot, Book and lyrics by Eric Idle, music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.
The Electric Theater, 68 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770
September 28-October 14, Thursday-Saturday 7:30 PM
Contact: 435-656-4407
Tickets: $17-21
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