“It’s been nothing but a positive laugh-fest from the very first day!” notes David Herbelin, director of the upcoming theater production of “Spamalot.”
Olympic Theatre Arts presents this musical comedy adapted from the classic British film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” for a three-week run from May 31-June 16.
The absurd satire of the Arthurian legend is set in medieval Britain, where a less-than-bright King Arthur embarks on a quest to assemble a band of knights, traveling the countryside with his loyal squire Patsy, who creates the sound of horse hooves with coconut shells.
Sequim Gazette photo by Elijah Sussman / Actor Matt Forrest, who portrays Lancelot in the upcoming production of “Spamalot,” gazes out from castle window at Olympic Theatre Arts on May 15.
Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at the OTA main stage, 414 N. Sequim Ave. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for students, and are available at the box office (call 360-683-7326 between 1-4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday) or go online at olympictheatrearts.org.
Comedy and song
The play is filled with outrageous and extended comedic bits, many lifted directly from the film. Assistant director Steven Rodeman, a Monty Python enthusiast, looks to ensure the production stays true to the iconic comedy style.
“I’ve been a Monty Python fan forever,” Rodeman said. “Everyone is working collaboratively in a great environment, and little bits are just coming out spontaneously.”
Sequim Gazette photo by Elijah Sussman / “Spamalot” actors (from left) Mario Arruda, Ron Graham and Hunter Gilliam rehearse a scene at Olympic Theatre Arts on May 15.
In addition to some crude humor, “Spamalot” offers meta-commentary on musical theater itself, referencing famous musicals in its instrumentals. The musical number, “The Song That Goes Like This,” as described by musical director Morgan Batholick-LeMaire, humorously mimics the dramatic power ballads of the 1980s and early ‘90s, featuring multiple key changes that keep escalating.
Batholick-LeMaire didn’t have the show on his musical to-do list, but said it has turned out to be a delight.
“It’s Monty Python; how could you not have a great time doing it? We have some really talented people in this cast, and some who have never done a musical before. It’s been especially fun to see how singing has empowered them and helped them come out of their shells.”
Dance, set design
Choreographer Nikki Mischke has plotted extensive dance numbers throughout the show. “It’s a bunch of musical numbers stuck together with Monty Python sketches,” says Herbelin.
“Some numbers were initially planned to be simple, but Nikki’s expertise was needed more than expected.”
Sequim Gazette photo by Elijah Sussman / Actors (from left) Dave McInnes, Matt Forrest and Helena Gilliam rehearse a scene for “Spamalot” at Olympic Theatre Arts on May 15.
The production showcases new lighting effects, including underwater and dappled forest effects. The backstage crew will be working diligently to manage quick scene changes, aiming to set up an entire castle within 90 seconds.
Character dynamics, actor insights
Actor Ron Graham, playing a notably dim character, said he enjoys the creative process.
“Characterizations are always fun to embody,” he said. “I’ve got some very good directors who have helped me understand a different approach.”
Graham said he particularly enjoys his dynamic with Mario Arruda, who plays Patsy.
Sequim Gazette photo by Elijah Sussman / “Spamalot” musical director Morgan Bartholick-LeMaire works on part with actor Susan Cates at Olympic Theatre Arts on May 15.
“We’re just having a blast playing off each other,” Graham said. “It’s a very symbiotic relationship, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Matt Forrest, who portrays Lancelot, revels in the play’s hectic and wild nature.
“We’re turning up the volume to 11 — it is very wild and goofy,” he said. His favorite number, “His Name Is Lancelot,” allows him to dance and perform high-energy body acting without singing.
Such a large cast with so many teams working behind the scenes has meant a lot of collaboration, something that the show’s choreographer has enjoyed.
“It’s been great, honestly,” Mischke said.
“Even though everyone has their own niche department we’re all working as one team, and it really is working well!”
‘Spamalot’
An Olympic Theatre Arts production
When: May 31-June 16; Fridays, Saturdays at7 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m
Where: OTA main stage, 414 N. Sequim Ave.
Tickets: $25 adults, $18 students
More info: 360-683-7326, olympictheatrearts.org.
