With over a month until show time, Lake County Theatre Company”s version of “Spamalot” is shaping up to be a stellar show. Appropriate casting, a good amount of singing and dancing talent and skilled directing should add up to a positive experience for audiences.
Spamalot is the stage version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a comedic British film released in 1975. Eric Idle one of the principal members of the Monty Python group adapted the film for the stage and renamed it Spamalot. It is an apt title as the show spoofs the legends of King Arthur and Camelot. It had a significant Broadway run with 1,575 performances.
The script is hilariously irreverent and timing is of the utmost importance to succeed in conveying just the right meaning with this show. Director Tim Fischer admits it is sometimes difficult to keep a straight face in rehearsals.
“I am extremely proud of my cast and crew,” he said. “We”ve been working hard and laughing harder, and I can”t wait for audiences to laugh along with us.”
British accents could surely sink the ship when executed poorly. Fischer reports that this particular cast seems to be doing well with that unique challenge.
Producer Laura Barnes lauds the acting talent, which includes such seasoned stage professionals as Jenna Rodgers (Radtke), Tim Barnes, Rod Rehe, Diana Schmidt, Larry Richardson, and many more,
“The cast is made up of over 30 enthusiastic performers, ranging in age from 14 to 70,” Barnes observed. “We”ve found some amazing talent that Lake County has never seen.”
Performances will take place at the Soper Reese on October 9,10,11,16 and 18 at 7 p.m. and October 12,18 and 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Soper Reese Box office Fridays 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. or on their website at www.soperreese.com. Ticket prices range from $15-$25.
