A chorus line of dancing knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight will kick off Starlight Theatre’s 63rd Season during Monty Python’s Spamalot, May 31-June 6.
The outrageous musical comedy is “lovingly ripped off” from the film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. With music and lyrics by the Grammy-Award winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Show-stopping musical numbers include Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and Find Your Grail.
Monty Python’s Spamalot is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical. The original cast recording won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show.
“You do not have to be a fan of Monty Python to enjoy Spamalot,” said Denton Yockey, Starlight President and Executive Producer. “In fact, if you don’t know anything about Monty Python or the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a great introduction. For those who are Monty Python fans, there is a good chance they’re going to go nuts when they see this show.”
Although Spamalot does not directly follow the original film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, it is just as irreverent with similar language, jokes and gags. “It’s a show that adults and teens will enjoy together,” Yockey said.
Monty Python’s Spamalot is a co-production between Starlight and Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in Houston. “TUTS is a well-respected leader in the musical theater industry. It has been a joy working with TUTS to bring this production to Kansas City,” he said.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Taking the stage as King Arthur will be Tom Hewitt who has been nominated for both a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for his work in Broadway’s The Rocky Horror Show. His other work on Broadway includes Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago, Dracula: The Musical and The Lion King. He has toured nationally in Peter Pan, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (at Starlight in 2005) and Urinetown. Janine DiVita who grew up in Overland Park will play The Lady of the Lake. She counts Grease, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Anything Goes among her Broadway credits. She also appeared in the national tour of Young Frankenstein. Brian Sears who plays the Mayor/Patsy/Guard 2 also grew up in Overland Park. His Broadway credits include The Book of Mormon (original company), Lend Me A Tenor, Finian’s Rainbow, Grease and All Shook Up. He last appeared at Starlight in Hello Dolly!
Other talented cast members with Broadway credits include Jonathan Hammond (Ragtime), Brian Shepard (Spamalot, Follies, Guys and Dolls, Young Frankenstein, Peter Pan and Annie Get Your Gun); Kevin Covert (Spamalot, Memphis and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying); Jeremy Webb (The Visit) and Adam Monley (Mamma Mia!).
Completing the cast are Lindsay Bracco, Sam Burkett, Caitlin Cannon, Danny Dyer, Kayla Hall, Afra Hines, Laura Henning, Andrew Hodge, Logan Kesler, Sam Kiernan, Julia Krohn, Alissa LaVergne, Robin Masella, Patrick O’Neill, Chuck Ragsdale, Buddy Reeder, Michaeljon Slinger and Borris York.
Marc Robin is the director and choreographer. He is the recipient of 16 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Barrymore Nominations, a Carbonell nomination, 13 After Dark Awards, a Broadway World Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Light Opera Works. Jeff Rizzo is the musical director and conductor. Also joining the creative team are Kit Bond, sound designer, and Richard Winkler, lighting designer.
Tickets are available at kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or in person at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
