Theatre 29’s newest production is “Spamalot,” a play that’s lovingly ripped off from the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” It features coconuts standing in for horses, a catapulting cow, flatulent knight, killer rabbit, and a knight who bats for the other team. Managing editor Tami Roleff attended both nights of opening weekend, and offers the following review…
Theatre 29 is putting on “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” and this is the third version I’ve seen of the play. This all-volunteer community theater’s production ranks right up there with professional theater. Kathryn Ferguson, who not only directed this silly bawdy show, but made the costumes (with help from Mandi Pushkar), has done an amazing job. It’s mind-boggling how many costumes, and costume changes, there are in this play. “Spamalot” is lovingly ripped off from the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and in my opinion, it’s a better story than the movie. The sets are terrific, and the “special effects” of the Black Knight, the killer rabbit, and Herbert’s message, among others, are done well. The entire cast is outstanding, but Jericho McWilliams steals the show. His portrayal of the French Taunter and Lancelot is hysterical. Analisa Pilecki’s voice is one of the best the theater has ever had. Charles Harvey has his best role ever as King Arthur. Others who stand out are Gary Daigneault as the coconut-clopping servant Patsy; Ben Bees as Galahad and Herbert’s father; Cyrus Short as Not Dead Fred and Herbert; and Leonard Weber as Sir Robin. The only quibble I have is the tap dancing is not up to the standards of the rest of the show, but considering that most of the dancers have had only a few weeks to learn tap, they do very well.
I enjoyed “Spamalot” at Theater 29 so much that I went both opening night, and returned the next night, and I plan to attend at least one more show before it closes September 21. I’m not the only one who loved Spamalot; both nights of opening weekend the audience gave the cast a standing ovation. You better buy your tickets soon; each show is certain to be a sell-out.
“Spamalot” runs Friday and Saturday nights through September 21, with Sunday matinees September 1 and 15. Tickets are $8 to $12 and are available at the box office, by calling 760-361-4151, or online at Theatre29.org.
