The Quest for Spamalot is Afoot!

albanytheaterThe hit Broadway musical Monty Python’s Spamalot comes to the Albany Civic Theater (ACT) this February, starting a wonderful season of shows for adults at the theater, which also features Avenue Q coming later this spring. For those unfamiliar, Spamalot is the “lovingly ripped off” musical retelling of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, written by Monty Python’s own Eric Idle. The show tells the tale of King Arthur, having recently been bequeathed Excalibur by the Lady of the Lake, on a quest for the Holy Grail. He recruits knights (of the round table variety) to join him, he hacks a guy’s limbs off, hilarity ensues.

Directed By ACT veteran and board member Ken Long, the piece holds special meaning. “I grew up watching Monty Python’s Flying Circus, and became a fan of comedy shows and movies,” he said. “I hold this particular show close to my heart as it was my wife and I’s first date when the Broadway tour came to Portland seven years ago.”

Pat Mcgewan takes the stage as the noble King Arthur, who thinks audiences will have a hard time picking their favorite part of this show, “Which is best – Cirello’s pizza, Burst’s chocolate, fresh baked Great Harvest bread, or a Water Avenue cappuccino? Or NutCakes donuts, or the triple berry pie at Imagine, or…? There are so many favorite parts (and local foods!); what links them all is the creation of community entwined with the passion to create something wonderful,” Mcgewan added.

The show also includes a raucous bunch of characters including the noble Sir Lancelot who is “big and strong and hot.” Aaron Marchbanks brings the character to life and has expressed a love of the experience of creating such a unique show.

Opening this weekend, this is not to be missed by fans of Monty Python, musicals or the stage in general; Director Ken Long wants to assure audiences that no animals were harmed in the making of this production.

Performances are February 21 , 22nd, 28, and March 1, 2nd (matinee), 6, 7, 8, 9 (matinee), 13, 14, 15. Curtain is at 8:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $14 for adults and $11 for seniors/students and can be purchased in advance at Sid Stevens Jewelers in Albany or Winestyles in Corvallis. Advance reservations are recommended.

by Candy Smith

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