Review: 'Monty Python's SPAMALOT' by Two Planks Theater Company

Pictured: Congratulations to the latest Arthur Award recipient, George "if that's your real name" Weinstein for being named Friday night's "Best Peasant in Monroe!" Photo courtesy of Two Planks

"Arthur: Have you heard of this Broadway?
Robin: Yes Sire, and we don't stand a chance there."

Monroe, CT - Two Planks Theater Company presents their main stage season at the United Methodist Church of Monroe, but when summer comes they put on a big splashy musical under the stars in the beautiful Wolfe Park down the road. This year they chose the silly ‘Monty Python’s SPAMALOT,’ a new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The knights of the Round Table made us laugh as they searched for their grail and the production numbers were all impressive. This show that breaks the fourth wall in the second act contains lots of sight gags that require lots of setup; for just one lyric about a baby carriage, a pram was pushed once across the stage. The Camelot a la Las Vegas scene was fun.

English teacher Brian Maher made his debut with this company in the role of the somewhat befuddled King Arthur. Fiona Bryson, music director of Shelton HS’ drama club with an MAT from Sacred Heart University, made her Two Planks debut as the lovely Lady of the Lake. David Cannizarro was the devoted Patsy, as well as Mayor and Guard 2, in his Two Planks debut. Duane Lanham was Sir Lancelot, and returned to the stage as French Taunter, the hysterical Knight of Ni, and Tim the Enchanter.

Cullen Burling was cute as Sir Robin, and Justin Marcinek covered well Prince Herbert, the historian, and Not Dead Fred. Jason Maur appeared as Sir Not Appearing and Sir Bors. Rob Mayette took on the roles of Sir Bedevere, Mrs. Galahad and Concorde, while Brody Ott came on as Sir Galahad, the resilient Black Knight and Herbert’s Father (“No singing!!”)

Sloan Burling, Monica Cable, Amy Craw, Samantha D’Orazio, Amanda Friedman (‘Spelling Bee,’ ‘Avenue Q,’ ‘Le Cage’) James Hobayan, dancer Meghan Maria Quinn, Kellen Schult, Joey Socci, Jennifer Sokira (‘La Cage,' 'Blithe Spirit,' 'Gypsy') made up the busy ensemble and all did very well.

The choreography of Judy Abbatiello brought this production to the next level. Dan Koch worked his magic on the keyboard and conducting the wonderful orchestra that included Scott Friend and Tom Storace on trumpet and Jeff Erdman on trombone. I thought the sound was a bit unbalanced at times, but it did improve as the show progressed. Rob Primorac designed the fine outdoor lighting and producer Brooke Burling designed the royal set that lit up perfectly as needed. Costumer Laura Feist-Roche made the men into knights and the ladies and gentlemen of the ensemble become French citizens, minstrels, Laker girls, and even “not dead” bodies. I had never seen the seasons pass behind the knights with a long piece of fabric wrapped around two cast members. The Lady of the Lake (“Whatever Happened to My Part?”) had a few costume changes that sparkled. Curtain Call in Shelton and Landmark Community Theatre are credited with supplying much of what we saw on stage.

We got to sing along for the company bow on “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”
‘Monty Python’s SPAMALOT’ has book and lyrics by Eric Idle with music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle from the original screenplay of the motion picture ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail.’ Two Planks’ production closes on Saturday at Wolfe Park and out of town patrons may park their vehicles in the permit lot for performances if they can find a space. Show dates: July 28, 29 and August 4, 5 Location: Wolfe Park, 285 Cutlers Farm Road, Monroe Curtain nightly at dusk (approx. 8:15) Gates open at 6:00 for picnics and lounging under the stars with your friends and neighbors. General admission lawn seating, so patrons are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc. Monroe Parks & Rec parking and beverage restrictions waived for this special event. Advance online tickets: $20 adults, $18 students and seniors. Tickets purchased at door: $25 adults, $20 students and seniors.

Two Planks is celebrating its fifth anniversary of summer theater and next season will present ‘August Osage County,’ ‘Altar Boyz’ and ‘Beyond Therapy.’

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417