Monty Python’s Spamalot - CM Performing Arts Center | 2.14.26

CM Performing Arts Center is currently producing the Broadway hit musical "Monty Python's Spamalot" from February 14th to March 1st. "Spamalot" is essentially a musical version of the 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with some new added bits and references to some well-known Broadway musicals. Now, I'm not going to lie to you here – I have been very vocal about the fact that Monty Python humor has always eluded me and I was a bit less than 'excited' to see this show (CM produced this musical 10 years ago as well) and while some of the jokes still seemingly went above my head, I was laughing out loud far more than I expected and I even found myself humming and singing along to the music on my way out.

Nobody is more surprised than me.

For those who are unfamiliar, the story is about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table gathering in Camelot and setting off on a quest to locate the Holy Grail. King Arthur is played by Long Island theater veteran Don Dowdell, who is playing this part for (at least) the second time after playing King Arthur the first time CM produced the show. And he’s back for good reason! He was great fun in this role that is pretty nonstop - I’d say he was on stage the majority of the time. Many of his scenes were complemented by Joe Kassner who plays Patsy, King Arthur’s faithful steed. The chemistry between these two was fantastic, playing off of each other very well and making each scene more and more funny than the last. You’ll especially enjoy their Act 1 number “King Arthur’s Song”!

Joe Kassner, Don Dowdell, Andrew Lenahan.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

The rest of the Round Table men are Kevin Callaghan as Sir Lancelot, Matthew W. Surico as Sir Robin, Andrew Lenahan as Sir Galahad, and Richard Sullivan as Sir Bedevere. This was a fun group of guys! I’m not sure what things are new in the musical and what carries over from the movie, so I don’t want to say too *too* much about where characters go, but Sir Lancelot has a very funny arc that creates some hilarious moments that Callaghan does a wonderful job in landing. I think it goes without saying that Andrew Lenahan understood the assignment and was once again a delight to see on stage. 

Quite honestly, I’ve been enjoying him on stage so much that I forget he used to primarily play in the pit for Long Island productions. So cool to see this shift!

Sullivan was wonderful as well and provided lots of laughs as the “Strangely Flatulent” knight of the bunch. I don’t usually enjoy fart and poo jokes, but he made me laugh on more than one occasion so we need to give credit where it’s due - which also helped when watching Surico as Sir Robin, the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot-Who-Slew-the-Chicken-of-Bristol-and-Who-Had-Personally-Wet-Himself-at-the-Battle-of-Baden-Hill!

Yes. That is his full title. Thank you, Wikipedia for your assistance.

Matthew Surico, Bruce Konopa.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Surico is always a joy to watch and this role is no exception. I was especially pleased with his two Act 2 numbers - “Brave Sir Robin” and “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” - which were exceptionally fun! Will Brennan returned to the CM stage in the role of The Historian/Prince Herbert, but it was his performance as Prince Herbert that I loved the most. I know I’ve said this before but it continues to be true - he gets better and better every time he steps on stage! I don’t think there was anyone who made me laugh as much as him and you’ve just got to see the show to understand why. He was especially fantastic when singing Act 2’s “Where Are You?” and “Here Are You”.

Yes, these two are related and you will see why *when* you go.

The one female lead was The Lady of the Lake, played by Amanda Mac. Just perfection. She absolutely nailed the humor and sings the shit out of her numbers.

This is *my* website. I can curse! I quite literally pay the bills around here.

Amanda Mac.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

It doesn’t come as any surprise that her vocals are on point as we’ve seen her play Maureen in RENT and she sings in a successful band in her “free” time, but you will appreciate all she does in this production. I enjoyed her Act 1 number with Lenahan “The Song That Goes Like This”, but “The Diva’s Lament” in Act 2 was a clear standout. She sounded incredible and delivered the humor wonderfully. You’ll be pleased with the ensemble as well! There were numerous funny moments peppered throughout and the choreography was well done and a pleasure to watch. Kudos to Choreographer Kevin Burns for his work here! Surico doubles as Music Director for this production and brings the best out of the entire cast. 

I also need to give credit to Director Jordan Hue - I can’t stress enough that the Monty Python style of humor has never been for me, but I found myself enjoying this far more than I expected. I can confidently say there is something here for everyone, because I didn’t think there was for me. Once we got to the end of the show and I learned what the Holy Grail is, I smiled. Nice little message there for us all. I was singing ‘always look on the bright side of life’ all the way home which was *completely* unexpected.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot” is running at CM Performing Arts Center until March 1st and tickets can be purchased over the phone, in person at the box office, or via their website at www.cmpac.com. From what I’ve heard, tickets are already a bit scarce so I would suggest purchasing ahead of time!

You can also catch my interview with Matthew Surico (Sir Robin) as well as our extended conversation on the videos page of the website!

Cast:

King Arthur - Don Dowdell

The LAdy of the Lake - Amanda MAc

Sir Lancelot - Kevin Callaghan

Sir Robin - Matthew W. Surico

Sir Galahad - Andrew Lenahan

Patsy - Joe Kassner

Sir Bedevere - Richard O’Sullivan

The Historian/Prince Herbert - Will Brennan

Not-Dead-Fred/Minstrel - Bruce Konopa

Ensemble - Isabel Camacho, Jack Dowdell, Julia Durfee, Juliana Jagielo, Stacey Kappel, Yolanda Penfield+, Zach Russo, Erik Simon, Katy Snair, MArc Strauss, Cassidy Torns, Maya Yaron

+ Dance Captain

Creative Team:

Director - Jordan Hue

MUSIC DIRECTOR - Matthew W. Surico

Choreographer - Kevin Burns

Stage Manager - Chase Randall

Scenic Designer - Shea McMahon

SOUND Designer - Silvio Sweet

PROPS DESIGNER - Heather Van Velsor

LIGHTING DESIGNER - Kevin Purdy

Costume Designer - Chakira-Iliana Doherty

The Spamalot Orchestra:

Conducted by Kevin Merkel

Violin - JJ Dumlao

Reeds - Jennifer Haley

Trumpets - Kevin Merkel, David Lugo

Keyboards - Kim Gabriele, Carl Hottinger

Drums - Mike Ayala