The Wanda L. Bass School of Music is opening their season with “Monty Python’s Spamalot – a Socially Distant Concert-ish Version.”
The production of “Spamalot” was originally scheduled for the spring 2020 semester but was postponed due to the COVID-19 university shutdown. The production is being directed by Karen Coe Miller, musically directed by Matthew Mailman and choreographed by Sheri Hayden.
Karen Coe Miller said the satirical comedy is based on the 1975 film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
“The show has truly been a labor of love. We haven’t done anything that contained humor like this before. It is an opportunity to allow our students to dive into the satire and do so in a compelling and seriously funny way,” Miller said.
In maintaining a safe and productive working environment, Miller said rehearsals for this venture have posed quite the challenge.
“All present during rehearsals will be wearing face masks and maintaining a social distance of 10 feet while on stage. The company and crew will also be wearing masks during the performance, and only eight actors are on stage at a time in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium,” Miller said.
Nick Atkins, music theater senior portraying “The Black Knight,” said he feels safe and comfortable in rehearsal.
“Everyone off stage was socially distanced while in rehearsals. The stage management crew regularly disinfected surfaces and encouraged the use of hand sanitizer,” Atkins said.
Atkins said the production will also be a performance of an abridged version of “Spamalot” published recently. He said this version incorporates socially distanced staging with jokes about putting on live theater during a plague, or in this case, a pandemic.
“The process has been great, and I’m so glad we put on this version that seems incredibly relevant and particularly funny at this time,” Atkins said.
Landry Champlin, music theater sophomore and ensemble member, said she is excited to make her mainstage debut in the chorus of “Spamalot.”
“Everything about this experience has been incredible, but I am most looking forward to showcasing the versatility by taking on a variety of characters throughout production,” Champlin said.
Champlin said rehearsals are a process of trial and error, from capping occupancy in rehearsals, to sanitizing spaces. However, she said she thinks the creative team has met these challenges head-on in a professional and impactful way.
“Despite safety measures, this show remains authentic and rich with detail,” Champlin said.
“Spamalot” will stream at 8 p.m. Oct. 9-10 from the Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. All streaming tickets are $10. Students and patrons can purchase tickets online through the BookTix streaming box office.
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