The cast of “Spamalot” at Theatre by the Sea. Photo by Steven Richard Photography.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
You don’t have to be a Monty Python guru to love “Spamalot,” a musical that, as its creators say, was “lovingly ripped off” from the hit comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
“Spamalot” has everything you want from a late-summer musical: it’s funny, it’s bawdy, it’s lighthearted, it’s straightforward, it’s over the top and…there are showgirls. What more do you want?
It doesn’t hurt that the music is catchy as all get out and the show moves along swiftly so you can still have time to hit the beach and savor those last drops of summer.
Theatre by the Sea truly has saved the best for last this season. Their production of “Spamalot” doesn’t have a weak link, a dull moment or missed beat. True, the book and score do a lot of the work, but TBTS has brought it top notch talent, beautiful costumes (straight from Broadway) and an array of colorful sets.
The show follows King Arthur on his quest for the Holy Grail. Along the way he assembles his Knights of the Roundtable, woos the Lady of the Lake, meets the Knights of Ni and even talks to God.
The tone and pace of the show is set nicely by Sean Bell, who is a veritable chameleon in the show. First he appears as a historian, laying out the time and setting for the tale. The next time we see him, he’s a man named Fred dancing around proclaiming “I’m not yet dead!” His other characters include a pesky minstrel, a crass French guard and a rather effeminate prince.
Only Al Bundonis (King Arthur) and Haley Swindal (Lady of the Lake) have the luxury of playing just one character throughout the show, but neither have an easy lift. Bundonis is in nearly every scene, playing the oft clueless King with just the right amount of airheaded machismo. Swindal gets to show off her powerful voice in numbers that include “Find Your Grail” and “Diva’s Lament,” and she’s well suited for this role that’s a mix of Mariah, Whitney, Cher and Idina.
The rest of the ensemble is much like Bell, and each transforms into a handful of characters. Local favorite Tom Gleadow plays Sir Bevedere, but also manages to play a woman yet again. Jonathan Gregg pulls off an impressive number of roles, from the closeted Sir Lancelot to the – sometimes Scottish-sounding – French Taunter.
Add in another half dozen character actors, a slew of leggy showgirls and voila – you have “Spamalot.”
Well, almost. There’s also the zany, over-the-top and in-your-face humor (a Monty Python signature); the book, lyrics and music by Eric Idle and John Du Prez; and the seamless direction and choreography by Billy Sprague, Jr. Oh, and Buddy Cianci provides the Voice of God. Need I say more?
For a side-splitting night of summer fun, run – don’t walk! – to Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck.
While you’re there, check out the Bistro by the Sea, down the garden path behind the theater. It’s delicious. Make reservations for dinner or a nightcap by calling 789-3030. There are even post-show cabarets by the cast on certain nights.
“Spamalot” plays now through Sept. 7. For show times and tickets, click here.
