by Mark G. Auerbach
Connecticut Repertory Theatre ends its 2015-16 season with a first class production of the laugh-filled musical Monty Python’s Spamalot, the Broadway show that picked up a “Best Musical” Tony, as it made Broadway audiences roll in the aisles with hysterical laughter in 2005. Freely adapted from the 1975 comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a send-up of the King Arthur legend (with some Mel Brooks, Saturday Night Live, and other comic influences added), Spamalot is funny and tuneful, deftly staged and performed, and two hours plus of 
non-stop laughs.
The script is flawless, loaded with sight gags and shtick. The songs, from “Always Look At The Bright Side of Life” (borrowed from the film The Life of Brian), to “The Song That Goes Like This”, a send-up of every Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway power ballad, fit the show perfectly. John Pike’s musical direction brings out the best in each song; the orchestra of ten is snappy. Richard Ruiz’s staging and Tom Kosis’ choreography are sublime.
Production elements are excellent, from Abigail Copeland’s clever scenery to Heather Lesieur’s costumes which run the gamut from Camelot to Vegas. Adam Lobelson’s lighting, combined with Josh Winiarski’s wonderful video, and the sound design of Justin Graziani and Joel Abbott serve the production well.
The ensemble, a talented mix of professionals, and members of the highly-regarded University of Connecticut theatre program are enetgetic, enthusiastic, and completely worthy of the showstopping applause during the performance and the standing ovation at the end. Richard Kline from TV’s Three’s Company was a fine King Arthur. Mariand Torres brought tons of delicious diva to the role of The Lady of The Lake, particularly in the Andrew Lloyd Webber Send-off performed with Chester Martin as Sir Galahad (another fine performance from Martin, who was a stand-out in the season opener The Laramie Project). Nick Nudler as Sir Robin stopped the show with “You’ll Never Get to Broadway”; Bryce Wood was funny as Lancelot, particularly in his scenes with the super funny Ryan Rudewicz as Prince Herbert.
It’s one talented troupe performing Spamalot, and it’s one giant LOL and LMAO musical comedy. Kudos to Connecticut Repertory Theatre for ending a great season with a comic flourish. .
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The Connecticut Repertory Theatre presents Monty Python’s Spamalot. Book and lyrics by Eric Idle. Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. A new musical lovingly ripped off from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. From the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin. Direction by Richard Ruiz. Musical direction by John Pike. Choreography by Tom Kosis. Scenic design by Abigail Copeland. Costume design by Heather Lesieur. Lighting design by Adam Lobelson. Video designed by Josh Winiarski. Sound design by Justin Graziani and Joel Abbott. Starring Richard Kline, Mariand Torres, . Through May 1. Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre. University of Connecticut at Storrs, CT. 860-486-2113 or www.crt.uconn.edu..
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
