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Lees-McRae Summer Theatre Presents: Monty Python’s Spamalot Aug. 6-10 at Hayes Auditorium

by Madison Fisler Lewis

July 31, 2014. After a great run for “A Grand Night for Singing,” Lees-McRae Summer Theatre presents the third and final installment in the three-fold lineup of great professional productions for summer 2014. Aug. 6-10, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre will present Monty Python’s Spamalot directed by Dr. Janet Barton Speer.

KNIGHTSSpamalot, a production that is “lovingly ripped off from the motion picture ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,'” is a hilarious rendition of the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. 

“This show pretty closely follows the Broadway version,” said Janet Speer, Director of the show. 

“This is one of those shows that really crosses all ages in interest. That’s why it is such a popular show, everyone can find something to like.”

Monty Python stalwart Eric Idle and composer John Du Prez adapt the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail into a musical featuring the Knights Who Say Ni, killer rabbits, accused witches and other Python touches. Spamalot adds swipes at Vegas glitz and Broadway conventions to the film’s anarchic spirit.

The cast of characters is as follows:

  • Historian – Evan Teich
  • The Mayor, Sir Bedevere – William A. Martin
  • King Arthur of Britain – Michael Jones
  • Patsy – Bob Haas
  • 1st Sentry – Evan Teich
  • 2nd Sentry – Justin Bulla
  • Sir Lancelot – William Pazdziora
  • Sir Robin – Justin Bulla
  • Sir Dennis Galahad – David Craven
  • Dennis’s Mother – Evan Teich
  • Not Dead Fred – Kerry Lambert
  • The Lady of the Lake – Jennifer Apple
  • French Taunter One – Evan Teich
  • French Taunter Two – Kerry Lambert
  • French Taunter Three – Casey Courtney
  • God – Evan Teich
  • King Og Ni – Kerry Lambert
  • Concord – Casey Courtney
  • Robin’s Minstrals – Alec Kelsey, Barry Kramer, Kerry Lambert
  • The Black Knight – Sean London Young
  • Prince Herbert – Alec Kelsey
  • Prince Herbert’s Father – Evan Teich
  • First Guard – Jesse Kramer
  • Second Guard – Sean London Young
  • The Enchanter – Barry Kramer

Audiences will be thrilled by the song and dance numbers, and will laugh themselves silly at the comedy and humor that can only come from Monty Python.

“It is just such a funny show,” Speer said. “I have been seeing it for days and I am still laughing. Aside from that, the music is just fabulous. Even if you are not really into Monty Python, the music and the dancing will get you.” 

Showtimes for Spamalot are as follows:

  • Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m.

The Summer Theatre Box Office is located in the lobby of Hayes Auditorium. It is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Show day hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The Box Office phone number is 828-898-8709.

Tickets can be ordered by sending ticket requests to Tickets, Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre, PO Box 128, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Online ticket orders may be placed at lmc.edu. Ticket prices are $42.71 for adults and $21.36 for students and children. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.

This show also signifies the closing of the 30th year of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. 

“This is our 30th year, and we just love doing the summer theatre,” Speer said. “I think with a lot of jobs you go do the same thing everyday. We get to change gears and be creative and do something different and unusual every day. We just never get tired of it. We can’t wait to start working on next year’s productions.” 

For more information about the show call 828-898-8709.