On Theater: Laugh a lot with ‘Spamalot’
There’s a fine line between satire and farce, but Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” closing its brief run this weekend at Golden West College, crosses that line back and forth repeatedly in a deliriously laughable production.
Directed and choreographed by Martie Ramm, “Spamalot” packs a whopping comical punch, as well as offering two outstanding voices in the leading roles, a sort of artistic relief in an otherwise outlandish experience.
“Spamalot” originated on Broadway a decade ago as a musical version of the 1975 movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” its book and lyrics supplied by Pythoner Eric Idle. It’s a backhanded tribute to the legend of King Arthur and Camelot, except that in this version Arthur (Steve DeForest) is a vagabond monarch vainly searching for loyal followers.
What he encounters are assorted goofballs including, among others, one dubbed “Not Dead Fred” (Devon Suraco), an unappreciated sidekick who provides horse-clopping sound effects (Patrick Rowley) and a sultry, golden-voiced Lady of the Lake (Nina Ramos) who yearns for (and deserves) more time on stage.
DeForest, a familiar presence at the college, presses on, quixotically, and periodically urges on his followers with a resounding voice and a regal bearing. He gallops, horseless, through the countryside on his recruiting mission, oblivious of the many contributions of his sidekick Patsy (Rowley), as he bemoans his singular fate in the winning solo “I’m All Alone.”
Guiding his quest, but spending too much time backstage, is the mysterious Lady of the Lake. Ramos projects her overlooked status in the show with the electrifying comical pout titled “The Diva’s Lament,” sung up close and personal to the audience. She also shines in the inspirational “Find Your Grail.”
Even more comic relief is provided by Jay Harbison as (among others) the flatulent Sir Bedevere, who doubles as the father of Prince Herbert (Suraco again) and fends off the advances of the fabled Sir Lancelot (Paul Jasser). Arthur needn’t worry about Lance’s attentions to Guenevere in this version of the legend.
Jasser also has some major stage time as a character billed as the French Taunter, who blatantly defies Arthur’s demands with creative sound effects. Mark Torres and Brock Joseph lend a hand as Arthur’s followers, with Joseph doubling as a towering Knight of Ni.
Ramos, as the Lady of the Lake, is supported by a backup chorus of lovely maidens (known as the Laker girls) who execute some of their director’s choreographic richness. One dropped her hat during a number Saturday and recovered and replaced it without missing a beat. Even God (the recorded voice of Pythoneer John Cleese) gets into the act.
Unfortunately, “Spamalot” is ticketed for a mere two-weekend engagement at Golden West, closing Sunday. For those who appreciate satire blended with generous helpings of farce, this one is a must-see.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the daily Pilot, Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: “Spamalot”
WHERE: Golden West College, Huntington Beach
WHEN: Closing performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
COST: Call for ticket information
CALL: (714) 895-8159 or gwctheater.com
