Thus far this season, the State College Community Theatre has explored topics such as drug abuse, alcoholism, gay issues, feminism, discrimination and bigotry.
Therefore, it seems only just, fitting and proper that SCCT, under the fearless, able and adroit leadership of director Bruce Fleischer, should tackle more challenging areas. These include a killer rabbit, a holy hand grenade and a not-dead peasant.
Yes, SCCT will present “Spamalot” this weekend at Mt. Nittany Middle School. This marks the first time any company in the area has performed this show.
The musical, based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail takes the audience on an enchanted journey with the heroic King Arthur (Matt Greer), the Lady of the Lake (Christina Kidd), his intrepid sidekick Patsy (Rob Arnold) and the gallant Knights of the Round Table. Together they set off on a mission requested by God: find the Holy Grail.
“God the almighty and all-knowing has lost a cup?” inquires Sir Robin (Eric Brinser).
They have plenty of obstacles along their way. Plenty of singing and dancing too (frequently at the same time).
“Arthur has to stay majestic with all the silly things going on around him,” says Greer.
The Lady of the Lake (who doesn’t get anywhere near enough stage time), belts out nightclub-ish torch songs, brandishing a hand-held microphone. The Laker Girls, who manage to combine cheerleading, bump-and-grind, tap-dancing and angelic harmonies, act as an entourage to their diva. They also join in a hora, which works its way into the choreography because “you can’t succeed on Broadway if you don’t have any Jews.”
Long-suffering Patsy follows along behind the galloping Arthur, banging coconut shells together to mimic hoof beats. Not only does he carry everything Arthur may need, he gets to tap dance too.
“I’ve never done that before,” Arnold says, “but it’s a lot of fun.”
Despite the 23-member cast, many performers take several roles. James McCready plays the sinister Black Knight, Prince Herbert, whose father locked him in a tower to force him to marry, and a sneering Frenchman. Lyn Freymiller appears as a Knight of Ni, Not-Dead Fred, Sir Not Appearing, Brother Maynard of the holy hand grenade and a sneering Frenchman. Kim Plummer opens the show as an historian and appears later on as Tim the Enchanter.
Fleischer’s directing style allows the cast to bring their own ideas and spontaneity to the production. “This cast is inventive,” he said. “They’re seeing new things and going for it.”
With the unpredictable goofiness onstage, it remains a fresh, lively and raucous good time. For adults only, that is.
IF YOU GO
What: Monty Python’s “Spamalot”
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 19
Where: Mt. Nittany Middle School Auditorium, 656 Brandywine Drive, Boalsburg
Click HERE for more information or to buy tickets. You can also call (814) 234-SCCT.
Popular Stories:
Penn State Football: Mid-Season Nittany Lion Awards
Penn State Arboretum Hosts Annual Pumpkin Festival
Fall Fest Brewery Collectibles Show Returns to State College
