By Sarah Re
The Grand Theater at Salt Lake Community College presents Monty Python’s Spamalot with book and lyrics by Erid Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. Outrageously funny, this musical “lovingly rips off” Monty Python and the Holy Grail poking fun at the popular cult classic. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, this production is filled with utter silliness and great production values, everything you could ask for in a musical comedy and more. The cast executes each bit with total commitment and enthusiasm, and the music, set, costumes, props, are all on point. From start to finish you’ll be in stitches. Please note, however, that there is a good amount of cursing and sexual humor, much like the film, and parental advisory is strongly encouraged. I personally would rate it as PG-13 with moments that border R-rated.
The story follows King Arthur (David Hanson,) and his sidekick Patsy (Scott Butler,) in their quest from God (Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin) to find the Holy Grail. The two make a fantastic duo, Hanson captures Arthur’s mopiness tinged with narcissism and self-importance and Butler expresses the irony of the ever-faithful, rarely acknowledged, coconut clacking right-hand man. Butler’s vocal abilities are shown off in his big song, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and the two are fantastic in “I’m All Alone.” Also at his beck and call is the fabulous diva, the Lady of the Lake (Olivia Custodio) who brings down the house with powerful vocals, what a belt! Custodio fills the role of the overacting diva to the enth; it takes true skill to play around and poke fun at campy musicals with such range as she has, very impressive. In order to begin his quest, Arthur must gather the strongest, bravest knights in Britain, and winds up with Sir Bedevere, the Strangely Flatulent (Stephen Sherman,) Sir Dennis Galahad, The Dashingly Handsome (Jake Trumbo,) Sir Lancelot, The Homicidally Brave (Trevor B. Dean,) Sir Robin, The Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot (Britty Marie,) and Sir Not-Appearing-In-This-Show (Courtney Cohen.) Each of the knights is absolutely hilarious and make a fantastic, well-rounded cast. Several parts are cast cross-gendered, including Marie as Sir Robin, and each one fits the tone of the show perfectly, adding to the absurdity and silliness we love so much in British comedy. One of my absolute favorite songs has to be “Brave Sir Robin,” led by the Head Minstrel (Michelle Lynn Thompson.) Everything about Thompson’s performance of this song is utterly hysterical, from her perfect use of wit and irony delivering all the gruesome details, to her hilarious dance-walk characterization. I could not stop laughing. Each of her characters throughout the piece is full of energy, irony, and enthusiasm. The ensemble is so strong, filled with phenomenal dancers and singers that take on several roles, making each character bright and distinct. It takes a consistent amount of high energy to perform in a piece like this, and this cast knocks it out.
The Stage Direction by Jamie Rocha Allan is authentic to the original concept and brings the humor alive through remarkable clarity in the text, guiding the cast through the brilliant banter and a verbal marathon of wit. Music Direction is aptly done by Michael G. Leavitt, and the Choreography by Frida Moses is absolutely perfect. Dancers weave in and out of each other seamlessly, mixing graceful moves with high energy campiness that speak to the tone of the piece. The production design as a whole is absolutely fantastic, from the hundreds of costume changes, design by Shannon McCullock, which keeps each character distinct and humorous, to the mammoth, interchangeable set, design by Halee Rasmussen, to the bright and playful Lighting Design by Michael J. Horejsi.
If you are a fan of Monty Python, if you enjoy parody, if you need an excuse to get out of the house, make your way to the Grand Theater at SLCC for this of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Having seen the original production on Broadway, I can attest to the quality of this piece. Don’t miss this production, because you won’t be able to stop laughing!
The Grand Theater at Salt Lake Community College presents Monty Python’s Spamalot by Eric Idle and John Du Prez
The Grand Theater, 1575 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Contact: 801-957-3322
May 17- June 9, 2018 7:30 PM, Saturday Matinee 2 PM
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Tickets: $14- $23
The Grand Theatre Facebook Page
Spamalot Facebook Event
Junior high and high school students receive a free ticket when they show their school ID at the box office. No Refunds. Limited Exchanges. No Children Under 5. Doors open 30 minutes prior to start time.
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