CORNWALL, Ontario – And now, for something completely different, The Seaway Valley Theatre Company is thick in rehearsal for its upcoming production of the Tony Award winning, Spamalot.
Lovingly ripped off from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as they say, the musical offers the same broad silliness as the original, with some great song and dance numbers added into the mix, explains the show’s director, Lesley Ellam.
Set in 925 AD, the plot is loosely based on King Arthur’s search for the Holy Grail, she explained. “Now, whether that’s a vessel or a cup or something inside yourself, it’s up to the audience to decide.”
Along the way, the king and his knights encounter an array of wonderful creatures, including the Lady of the Lake, the French taunters, killer rabbits, flying cows, and the list goes on and on and on.
The production is choreographed by Amy Mallyon, with musical direction by local legend, Brian McCartney, who will head a 13 piece, live orchestra.
“The music is great,” said Ellam. “The audience will leave tapping their toes and singing along; it’s one of those infectious shows.
One of the more recognizable numbers is also one from the film, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, which incidentally is the number one requested funeral songs, in England.
With a cast of 30, on stage, and over 80 people working behind the scenes, Ellam, who’s not a stranger to large productions, having cut her teeth on the mammoth task of putting together Chicago, a couple of years ago, still has her hands full.
Some of the challenges, she said this time, is working with more men and keeping the focus. “The play is funny and the cast is still laughing (during rehearsal). “That’s a good sign, if they think it’s funny.”
Although Ellam calls the experience a “crazy undertaking,” she would not have it any differently. She explains it this way.
“I played sports, growing up. I loved playing sports; that got me through life. This is different. It’s the same team work, all working towards a goal together, but we’re not winning or losing. We’re just winning.”
Ellam, who warns that there is some adult content in the show, says that the audience can expect to be totally entertained.
“The sets the costumes, the songs and dances will not let you down. It’s going to be a great night of entertainment.”
Monty Python’s Spamalot runs February 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30pm, with a matinée on Feb 15, at 1:30, at Aultsville Theatre. Tickets are available online at Admission.com or at the Cornwall Civic Complex box office.
