‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’ runs thru March 1
“Monty Python’s Spamalot,” the madcap Tony Award-winning musical, makes its Staten Island premiere at Wagner College Theatre from Feb. 18-21 and Feb. 25 through March 1. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, with 2 p.m. weekend matinees on Feb. 21, Feb. 28 and March 1.
Directed by WCT professor Mickey Tennenbaum and choreographed by Michael Warrell (making his WCT debut), with music direction by WCT Music Director Lauri Young, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” is an outrageous musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film classic, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Featuring music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez and book by Eric Idle, “Spamalot” tells the story of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table as they embark on a madcap quest for the Holy Grail. Did we mention the bevy of beautiful show girls, flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers?
“Spamalot” features theater performance majors Greg Ippolito (King Arthur), Lindsay Dunn (Lady of Lake), Joe O’Malley (Sir Robin), Tom Althoff (Lancelot), Brad Cashman (Sir Galahad), Noah Bridgestock (Sir Bedevere), Daniel Marconi (Patsy) and Tyler Angotto (Historian/Herbert). The ensemble includes Nick Barakos, Molly Adele Brown, Lauren Dennis, Serina Figueiras, Dana Gough, Stephen Kallas, Joseph Cowdrey, Ryan McConville, Nick Mestakides, Jeff Mills, Julia Paladino and Nicole Trubish.
The cult classic, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” which hit movie theaters in 1975, starred Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Monty Python member Eric Idle (who played Sir Robin in the film) adapted the film for the Broadway stage as “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” Directed by Mike Nichols, the Broadway production opened at the Shubert Theatre on March 17, 2005. Starring Tim Curry as King Arthur, Sara Ramirez, David Hyde Pierce, Hank Azaria, Chris Sieber, Christian Borle and Michael McGrath, the production received a record 14 Tony Award nominations and won 3 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Wagner’s production will feature scenic design by Brian Sharron, costume coordination by Kurt Alger/Costume World, lighting design by Vicki Neal and sound design by Richard Kendrick. Margo Bea Murphy-Gross is production stage manager.
Director Mickey Tennenbaum teaches acting, directing, public speaking and film history at Wagner College. He holds an MFA in directing from Brooklyn College and has over 30 years of experience acting in and directing everything from community theater to Off-Broadway. At Wagner, he directed the Stage One productions of “Loose Knit,” “Catholic School Girls,” “School for Lies” and “Zombie Prom.” Professional credits include “Reed!” (actor) at the Gate Theater, and “Pedagogy” (director) for the NYC Fringe Festival. He is the recipient of a Time-Warner National Teacher Award, has appeared on the nationally televised Disney Teacher Awards, earned a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities for independent study in film history, and was a winner on Jeopardy. He has served as artistic director for the Good Medicine Company, the Brooklyn Arts Group and NeverLand Theatre.
Single tickets for “Monty Python’s Spamalot” are now on sale at the Wagner College Theatre box office, located on the first floor of Main Hall — call 718-390-3259 or email boxoffice@wagner.edu. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. Single tickets are available in price ranges for children, seniors and adults. Wagner College students attend free with current ID.