PPI presents Monty Python's 'Spamalot' for one last weekend

Rude Frenchmen, cancan dancers, the Lady of the Lake and her Laker Girls, Killer rabbits, catapulting cows, and the somewhat odd Knights who say "ni" are just part of the adventures and dangers awaiting King Arthur and his knights of the very very very round table in their quest for the holy grail.

Lovingly ripped off from the motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 'Spamalot' is the Broadway hit and irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. It was nominated for 14 Tony Awards, winning three, including Best New Musical for 2005. During its initial run, it was seen by more than two million people.

In addition to its run on Broadway and UK's West End along with three North American tours, Spamalot has played to enthusiastic audiences and over the world and made its Carson City premiere on October 14 to a packed house at the Brewery Arts Center’s MHJ Black Box Theater through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Directed & Choreographed by Gina Lopez Hill, Assisted by Fred Hampton, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the first musical PPI has produced in 10 years.

Leading the quest is King Arthur (Michael Weincek) with his trusty servant Patsy (Jeffrey Fast). Playing his gallant knights - and are - are Seth Fitzgerald as the Homicidally Brave Sir Lancelot, Anthony Frenchu as Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot, Joe Paslov as the Dashingly Handsome Sir Galahad, Joseph McClure as the Strangely Flatulent Sir Bedevere, Christina Carrie Dietlein as Price Herbert, Joe Bly as the not quite dead Fred, Tamara Holmes as the French Taunter and Michelle Hampton as The Lady of the Lake.

The design team features Scenic Designer Jeffrey Fast, Lighting Design by Joe Bly, Costume Designers Mikki Keirstead, Michelle Nadalin and Norma Thomas, Wardrobe Mistress Laura Jean and Stage Manager Kendra Valladon.

“Everyone has pitched in to make this show possible,” says director Gina Lopez Hill, “the actors have taken on several roles on and off stage as set builders, painters, prop masters, and finding sponsorships for the show. It is truly a group effort. Most of the costumes, props and many of the set pieces have been borrowed from TMCC’s wonderful production of Spamalot a few years back but there was still so much to be done. We have a cast of over 20 people and most have 4 and 5 costumes so it has been a lot of work but a lot of fun. You will see all the classic Monty Python bits represented on the stage, it’s silly, gender bending, twisted and hilarious”.

There are - if only briefly - references to "Monty Python's Flying Circus" skits, while some of Broadway's musicals are skewered along the way including a spoofs of Fiddler on the Roof and Les Miserables. The producers recommend the Sunday matinees for youth under 16 for tamer language but not much is held back or off limits as this show is definitely PG – 13, even on Sundays. After all, book and lyrics were by original Monty Python cast member Eric Idle.

In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal John Cleese (founding member of Monty Python) said, "I defy anyone to go and not have a really fun evening. It’s the silliest thing I’ve ever seen."

Last week's shows sold out but there are still tickets left for Friday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 23. Ticket prices are between $16 and $20.

Tickets are available for purchase at Breweryarts.org or in our Artisan Store at 449 West King Street, Carson City, NV 89703.

For more info call the Brewery Arts Center office at 775-883-1976.