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18-22 MUSIC 25 FILM
15-17 ART 12-14 THEATRE
break out the coconuts:
er by Bethany Turn amalot Sp ’s Monty Python 6, 10-12 12/29-31, 1/30 Chestnut St. Thalian Hall • 31 . m. • Sun., 3 p.m Thurs.-Sat., 8 p. .citystagenc.com $20-100 • www
City Stage kicks off the new year with ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’
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Left to right: Jason Aycock, Steve Coley and Troy Rudeseal ome thingS in thiS world enjoy
longevity. For instance, the staying power of the fruitcakes many received last week is a marvel. The expiration date is more like a guideline, right? In a similar fashion, the comedic appeal of Monty Python seems to be everlasting. Widely recognized for the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the now household name began its ascendancy when the British surreal comedy troupe was founded in 1969. Since, seven asteroids have been named after Monty Python and its legacy. Three of the six Pythons landed in the top 50 in the 2005 UK poll, “The Comedian’s Comedian.” Matt Groening, the creator of “The Simpsons,” cites Monty Python as a huge influence. Undeniably, the cult performers paved the way for a slew of well-loved programs and actors. “I enjoy it simply because it makes me laugh, and the best part is sometimes I don’t even know why I’m laughing,” Justin Smith, artistic director of City Stage, says. “I love the looseness, the improvisation and, as an actor, the skill it takes to pull it off. They have spawned so many comedic devices that we see used today. Shows like “Saturday Night Live,” “The Office” and “Modern Family” come to mind. From breaking the fourth wall to the very absurd situations and characters, it sets the standard of pushing boundaries.” Beginning on December 29th, Wilmingtonians will be able to revel in the live spin-off spectacle of “The Holy Grail” when City Stage takes on “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” Awarded the Tony
12 encore | december 26, 2012 - january 1, 2013 | www.encorepub.com
for Best Musical in 2005, the book and lyrics were created by original Python Eric Idle. The comedian’s longtime friend, composer John Du Prez (“Monty Python’s Life of Brian,” “A Fish Called Wanda”), crafted the music. In the local production, Chiaki Ito will serve as the music director and Judy Greenhut will take on choreography. Like the film, “Spamalot” pulls from Arthurian legend to weave its story, and the audience follows King Arthur (played by Troy Rudeseal) in his search for the Holy Grail. As an added bonus, the stage show throws in spoofs of Broadway theatre, particularly poking fun at Andrew Lloyd Webber and his catalogue. “Who among us has not agonized through one too many long romantic ballads?” Smith muses. “The great thing about this show is how good the musical numbers are. You’ll walk away singing several of them and be able to laugh at the lyrics to boot.” The director admits the auditions for this show were quite interesting. The comedy is there, but the actors have to possess the right intrigue to pull it off. “I really just wanted to see who had a feel for the Pythonesque style,” he explains. “I always have people in mind for parts, but this show came with a lot more surprises than usual.” He names the Ni Knights, French people, coconuts and cows as shining moments within the play. Highlights of the film, many of which have gone on to become punch lines or references in today’s film and TV, will all be there to entertain. Smith will even pay homage to some of the
original runs of the musical. “We are using the template from the Broadway set, scaled down to fit in the space,” he divulges. “But if you haven’t seen it, there will be many surprises. There is a special appearance from ‘By God’ that should inspire people. We were also able to get the props and costumes from the London version of the show, and they are spectacular.” Of course “Spamalot” will bring along three weekends of uncontrollable laughter for audiences. Yet, perhaps the best thing it will offer our theatre community is the opportunity to challenge their everyday funny bones. “I think the show grounds we theatre folk and reminds us not to take things so seriously,” Smith shares. “So far, there have been no deaths, injuries or incarcerations during the rehearsal process—so that’s good. I’ve laughed, cried, screamed and have even taken a brief vow of silence. I think it’s going well.” “Monty Python’s Spamalot” will run at Thalian Hall Thursdays through Sundays from December 29th through January 12th. All shows are at 8 p.m., except for Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Thursday-night showings and $25 Friday through Sunday. However, on Monday, December 31st, the show will coincide with a special New Year’s Eve gala. Folks can enjoy the show, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, DJ and dancing for only $100 per person. Tickets are available online at www. thalianhall.com or by calling the Thalian box office at (910) 632-2285.