Spamalot - What Fun!

Josh Epstein (photo by David Cooper)

The opening night production of Spamalot at the Arts Club Stanley Theatre was exactly what I was hoping it would be, a hilarious spectacle dripping in silliness. Self described as “lovingly ripped off ” from the comic genius 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical ‘extravaganza’ includes many iconic scenes from the film. 

It opens with King Arthur scouring his kingdom, servant Patsy closely in tow banging two coconut shells together to mimic the hoof sound of Arthur’s “horse”, in an effort to recruit Knights to his Round Table in Camelot.  Once assembled, and at the behest of God (a massive foot flown from the rafters) and at the encouragement of the Lady of the Lake, the band of misfit knights clomp off in search of the Holy Grail.  Along the way they get distracted in Las Vegas, save a ‘princess’, locate a shrubbery, and evade a killer rabbit.

Under the tight direction of Dean Paul Gibson and classic choreography of Lisa Stevens the show moves at an outstanding pace, pushing the limits of the cast and the venue. 

Veteran Arts Club performer David Marr gives a strong performance as King Arthur and Andrew Cownden is stellar as the undertrodden Patsy, the King’s loyal servant. Terra C. MacLeod is deliciously ‘divaish’ as the Lady of the Lake, Arthur’s enabler and love interest.  Rounding out the King's recruits is hometown boy Josh Epstein who simply oozes charisma as the not-so-heroic Sir Robin, and Jay Hindle (Sir Lancelot) and Jonathan Winsby (Sir Galahad) whose performances were both dashing and richly comedic. The fabulous work of the supporting ensemble should not go without mention. Masterfully orchestrated by musical director Ken Cormier and executed by a solid orchestra, the vocal performances are able to soar. 

Python troupe member Eric Idol (book, music, lyrics) and John Du Prez (music) modern adaption of the film fuses some of Pythons’ iconic comic genius (Bring out your dead, I’m not dead yet, Knights who say Ni) along with parodies of modern musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof, You Won’t Succeed on Broadway, and Phantom of the Opera into a well rounded spectacle of silliness.  It is impossible not to laugh out loud at the well-delivered writing. 

Listen, this show is on the opposite end of intellectual scale. It has no social relevance, it isn’t going to change or save the world, and that is perfectly ok.  Theatre doesn’t always need to be that. Sometimes theatre just needs to be a romp where the audience can sit back and laugh their arses off at fart jokes and other ridiculousness. Pulling off this kind of work on stage well is as equally challenging as any of Shakespeare’s tragedies. And while this production is not without its minor flaws, it could be executed more cleanly, this cast gives their hearts out on that stage and their work collectively is fantastic. 

Treat yourself to Spamalot! It is well worth it. Now playing at the Arts Club Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage until June 29. 

By Leigh Kerr
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