The gleefully absurd exploits of King Arthur and his knights will animate the stage at Reynolds secondary school with a production of Spamalot, a Tony Award winning show that the New York Times once described as “a resplendently silly new musical.”
More than 100 students – actors, singers, dancers, musicians, scenic artists and technical crew – are involved in bringing this production to the stage March 5 to 10. By the time the curtain rises on the first night, cast, crew, pit band, set builders and painters will have worked together for five months to realize their vision for this zany show with its array of tongue-in-cheek songs and spoofy comic moments.
First produced on Broadway in 2005, Spamalot – “lovingly ripped off the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail” – is an irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. The action focuses on King Arthur and his knights’ madcap quest for the Holy Grail. Urged on by the Lady of the Lake, Arthur, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad and Sir Bedevere embark on a journey across medieval England in pursuit of their goal, encountering on the way such assorted obstacles as lewd French soldiers, terrifying (but very silly) Knights who say Ni, and a killer rabbit.
The surreal action is appropriately complemented by a variety of musical numbers – including “The Song that Goes Like This,” “You Can’t Succeed in Showbiz” and the immortal Python tune “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” – that jubilantly send up the classic Broadway song-and-dance extravaganzas.
The grail is, ultimately, found – although to say where would be too much of a spoiler – and wedding bells ring for King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake (as well as for Lancelot and his true love, Prince Herbert) before the cast says adieu with a reminder to always look on the bright side of life.
If you’re looking for laughs and giggles aplenty, this satirical romp through “Merrie Olde England” (by way of Finland and France) is sure to deliver.
Admission to the show is $10 for adults and $9 for students. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from Reynolds Secondary School office, 3963 Borden St.
