The Firehouse Theatre presents SPAMALOT
music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle
Book & Lyrics by Eric Idle
Directed by Alex S Freeman
Choreographed by Kelsey Jordan Ward
Music Directed by Titus Kautz
Sound design by Dylan Hearn
Lighting Design by Gabe Coleman
Scenic Design by Patrick Ulrich
Costume Design by Dayna Dutton
Props Design
by Sam Bell
Stage Manager Hannah Tolle
Asst Stage Manager Ally Varitek
Cast
Grant Hollowell
John Wenzel
Adam Seirafi
Preston Isham
Jason Philip Solis
Sara Williams
Charles Barry
Nicholas Haas
Emily Dye
Kynzi Gumm
Lucas Haupert
Alexandru Istrate
Lisette Sandoval Perez
Daniel Vanegas
Ally Varitek
Herbert Welch
My thoughts on Spamalot or…Oh what a knight!
I’ve never been a big Monty Python fan, but this mounting by Director Alex S. Freeman of the Firehouse Theatre’s Spamalot based on the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” has just about converted me. It is absurdly funny and so well paced that the two hours fly by with the speed of one of those scatological French insults.
Freeman has assembled a dream cast for the musical and Music Director Titus Kautz has the voices primed and ready to handle all the ludicrous and often bawdy lyrics.
The cast is led by the great Grant Hollowell as the often confused but confident King Arthur. Although fairly new to stage acting, Hollowell’s background in comedy and his fine baritone are quickly making him a musical theater leading man. Hollowell is so assured on stage that you would swear he’s a stage veteran.
John Wenzel is a wonderful Sir Robin who slew the vicious chicken of Bristol and nails the fun number “How to Succeed on Broadway.”
Adam Seirafi is the doubtful Dennis Galahad. The dashing Seirafi has comedic timing perfected and has a fine voice that made me wish he had more stage time.
It was great to see Firehouse veteran and actor/singer extraordinaire Preston Isham back on stage as the dashing Sir Lancelot. Whether singing, clowning, or playing characters with multiple accents, Isham is a pro.
Jason Philip Solis who can make me laugh just walking across the stage, is a musical comedy star if there ever was one. He’s a hoot as Sir Bedevere and hysterical as Mrs. Galahad.
Sara Williams, in some of costumer Dayna Dutton’s gorgeous gowns, astounded me with her beautiful voice and powerful belt as The Lady of the Lake. She is also very proficient at keeping a straight face when delivering idiotic lyrics.
I don’t recall seeing Charles Barry who plays Patsy before, but he more than impressed me with his comedy (complete with a blacked-out tooth) singing “The Fisch Slapping Song” which sets the tone for all the silliness that will follow.
Nicholas Haas, who made quite the impression with his powerful voice in the Firehouse’s SpongeBob the Musical, plays the parts of Historian, Not Dead Fred, Minstrel, and Herbert and makes them all distinct and mini comic masterpieces. And it was great to hear that glorious voice once more.
Spamalot features a dynamite ensemble who sing constantly, dance to Kelsey Jordan Ward’s fun choreography and clown all around Patrick Ulrich’s two-level castle set lighted by Gabe Coleman. The ensemble includes Emily Dye, Kynzi Gumm, Lucas Haupert, Alexandru Istrate, Lisette Sandoval Perez, Daniel Vanegas, Ally Varitek, and Herbert Welch.
Director Freeman’s Spamalot is a big fat joyous hit that will make you forget you were just trapped at home for three days. The Firehouse is selling out almost every night, so get your tickets quickly to spend some time in the land of killer rabbits, clever swallows, catapulted cows, and shrubbery.
