King Arthur, portrayed by Jared Brake, calls out to the Lady of the Lake alongside Patsy, played by Bruce Sanford, during Wednesday's media night performance of Monty Python's Spamalot at the Medicine Hat Musical Theatre playhouse. -- NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN
The fourth wall comes down like a drawbridge to reveal a land of lunacy as the curtains rise on Medicine Hat Musical Theatre’s long-awaited performance of Monty Python’s Spamalot.
“Lovingly ripped off” from the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot touches on all the highlights of the 1975 British comedy classic with a musical twist and plenty of self-aware silliness.
With a robust cast of 27 and a production team including dozens more, Spamalot officially marks the return of theatre in its full form – and no better tale for it than the Arthurian-inspired absurdity that only Monty Python could provide.
The show – originally scheduled for release in May of 2020 before… well, you know – centres around King Arthur and his knights of a large, round table in their epic quest for the Holy Grail. Also a shrubbery.
Jared Brake leads the action as King Arthur and commands attention in the lofty role. Whether boasting about Excalibur or arguing with the French, Brake proves himself worthy of the comedic crown.
Bruce Sandford is simply outstanding in his main role as Patsy, putting forth a performance truly fitting of Monty Python and providing a healthy share of the laughs whether or not he’s delivering any lines.
Amber Stark puts in another strong performance with MHMT in her portrayal of the Lady of the Lake, nailing the character’s mix of irreverence and over-the-top expression.
Boden Broadhead stands out among the cast of knights as Sir Gallahad, often stealing the stage with his voice, expressions and overall antics.
From the Laker Girls to the Black Knight, the remaining cast provides a consistent barrage of belly laughs – also bovines – led by a particularly hilarious performance from Stirling Clark who expertly juggles the roles of Not Dead Fred, Prince Herbert and Minstrel No. 1.
Spamalot is at its best when embracing the campy nature of its source material. Some of the play’s jokes might be a touch outdated, but the over-arching message to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” still rings true.
All in all, this fisch-schlapping farce keeps the laughs coming from start to Finnish.
Monty Python’s Spamalot premieres with tonight’s 8 p.m. performance at the Medicine Hat Musical Theatre playhouse.
The show runs for eight total performances, April 23 and 28-30, and May 5-7. All shows start at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available for $50 at mhmtheatre.com, but they’re selling out faster than you can say Ni.
