For an irreverent reminder to “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” look no further than the Holy Grail of musical comedies that is Monty Python’s SPAMALOT. The Players Club of Swarthmore presents SPAMALOT Oct. 23 to Nov. 7 for ten performances at The Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Ave. in Swarthmore. Buy tickets online at www.pcstheater.org
Directed by Joe Southard, SPAMALOT is a silly extravaganza, written by Monty Python alum Eric Idle, that borrows lovingly (and unapologetically) from the film classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In telling the tale of King Arthur and his epic quest for the Holy Grail with the Knights of the Round Table, this hilarious musical comedy features such outlandish oddities as flatulent Frenchmen, airborne cows, killer rabbits, Laker Girls, and The Knights Who Say Ni. 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.”
The talented cast of regional actors includes Joe Southard, of Glen Mills, as King Arthur; Claudia Carlsson, of Glen Mills, as The Lady of the Lake; Darrin Peters, of Bear, DE, as Patsy; Joe Francisco, of Bear, DE, as Sir Robin; Matt Prince, of Media, as Sir Lancelot; Chaz Meyers, of Media, as Sir Galahad; and Jim Fryer, of Lansdowne, as Sir Bedevere. Additional players include Tom Wilcox (Malvern), Rob Walsh (Coatesville), Jeff Barg (Philadelphia), Ryan Stone (Swarthmore), Glen Haber (Media), Ethan Starr (Swarthmore), Nick Shaffer (Swarthmore), Aidan Cole (Swarthmore), Jenn Polish (Wilmington, DE), Ixchel Lemus-Bromley (Wallingford), Jo Evans (Wallingford), Meghan Schulz (Philadelphia), Ashley Seal (Wallingford), and Carrie Hubbard (Philadelphia).
Southard has assembled a creative team including music direction by Michele Ferdinand, choreography by Maria Byers, sets by Jolene Petrowski, costumes by Betsy Berwick, Randino Del Rosario, Reba Ferdman, Dot Kowal, Cindy Schneeman, and Becky Wright. The assistant director is Lori Knickerbocker, the producer is Claudia Carlsson, and the stage manager is Ryan Stone.
SPAMALOT runs from Friday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Nov. 7. Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. A free post-show cabaret will be held Oct. 24. Audiences can meet the artists in a talkback discussion after the Nov. 1 performance. Group rates (15 or more patrons) are available—consult the theater’s website for information on prices, etc. Buy tickets either online at www.pcstheater.org, by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111, or at the door.
For more information about PCS – including upcoming events, shows, ticketing and directions, visit www.pcstheater.org.
Theater/Organization THE PLAYERS CLUB OF SWARTHMORE
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.pcstheater.org/site/
Theater/Organization Address: 614 FAIRVIEW RD. SWARTHMORE, Pennsylvania 19081 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (610) 328-4271
