Run to — not away from — Mac-Haydn for ‘Spamalot’
Grab your holy grenade and make sure you know the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow (African AND European): “Spamalot,” the musical based on the inane, reverent, raucous and zany “Monty Python and The Holy Grail” gallops (or takes two empty halves of coconuts and bangs them together) into the MacHaydn Theatre, 1925 state Route 203, Chatham, for its opening weekend of performances.
Shows times are 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12; and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.
“Spamalot” is a perfect parody of Broadway musicals and includes a few specific shows in its tonguein-cheek cheekiness. Come on, get happy laughs galore as King Arthur and his knights — Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Sir Bedevere and Sir Robin — bravely fight killer rabbits and resist beautiful showgirls on their quest for the Holy Grail.
Their travels and travails lead them from the Mighty Portcullis to Mud Castle, Plague Village, French Castle and on to the court of Camelot and the feet of the Almighty. On this path, they encounter the French Taunter, Knights of Ni, the Black Knight, the king of the Swamp Castle and more. Each stop has a particular and peculiar challenge to the quest, but the King and his knights bravely overcome them all.
The Lady of the Lake and an assortment of lovely dancing girls present their own special challenges, as do Prince Herbert and Sir Dennis Galahad’s mother.
John Anker Bow will play King Arthur in his first Mac-Haydn role. His extensive experience includes Henry Ford in “Ragtime” and Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls.” Paul Wyatt, seen previously at MacHaydn as Mark in “Rent” and the Baker in “Into The Woods,” will be Sir Robin. Madison Stratton, who was the delightful con-woman Christine Colgate in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” will be The Lady of The Lake. MacHaydn favorite Gabe Belyeu lends his inimitable comedic flair to Sir Galahad.
The Tony Award Best Musical winner score is filled with songs that match the story: “Find Your Grail,” “I Am Not Dead Yet,” “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” “Always Look On The Bright Side of Life” and “What Ever Happened to My Part.”
“Spamalot” continues through Aug. 20. Additional performances are Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 17, at 2 and 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 19, at 4 and 8 p.m. before concluding Aug. 20 with shows at 2 and 7 p.m.
Tickets for evening performances are $36, $35 for the 10th row. Matinee performances are $33. Tickets for children under 12 accompanied by an adult are $15. Senior citizens discounts and group rates are available.
Call the box office at (518) 392-9292 or visit machaydntheatre.org for tickets or more information.