When you come to see MHS’ spring musical, you will escape to the magical land of Camelot with King Arthur, the Lady of the Lake and his knights, along with loads of crazy fun other characters. However, this is not your regular King Arthur story.
MHS’ spring musical this year is the musical comedy “Spamalot,” based on Monty Python’s film about the search for the Holy Grail. This is one of the first high school performances in New Jersey since its release from Broadway. “Spamalot” features dances, songs and jokes of all kinds that will appeal to all audiences, and with such a talented cast, the night promises to be a fun escape from reality to Camelot.
“It hasn’t been done by a lot of schools. There is only one that we know of in New Jersey that is doing this show,” director and choreographer Erica Scanlon Harr said. “It’s completely different from what we normally do. It’s ridiculous, which makes it a lot of fun.”
MHS’ version of “Spamalot” also features vocal direction by Sergey Tkachenko, orchestra direction by Greg Connlain and business management by Greg Harr.
Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Spamalot” retells the legend of King Arthur and his sacred quest for the Holy Grail. In this musical comedy, Arthur, played by senior Stephen Gross, joined by the Lady of the Lake, junior Nicole Tsarouhas; loyal servant Patsy, junior Gwen Wilkie; Sir Robin, senior Dylan Farnsworth; Sir Galahad, freshman Rohan Wadhwa; Sir Lancelot, senior Rahul Wadhwa; and Sir Bedevere, senior Liam Davies, encounters classic Monty Python characters such as the Black Knight, Tim the Enchanter, the Knights Who Say “Ni” and Prince Herbert, not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people.
“It is great for first-time musical attendees because it is fun and easy to follow. Also, if you know the movie or Monty Python, the show is packed with references from movies and shows,” Greg Harr said.
“I think it’s really great. It has humor for people who normally wouldn’t come out for a musical, but even if you aren’t a Monty Python fan, which also draws in a great audience, if you’re into comedy and sheer humor it is great to see. It has great songs that a musician would appreciate, and if you listen to the lyrics and scenes in between the songs, it has humor for everyone,” Tsarouhas said.
The show appeals to all kinds of humor, from British sarcasm to slapstick. And from musical lovers to comedy fanatics, there is a little bit for everyone in the music, dancing and acting. The show is also an equal opportunity offender, making jokes about and to everyone and everything.
“Even if coming to the show isn’t something you normally do, I highly encourage it. Not just because I am in the show and everyone is great, but it’s so entertaining for everyone. You don’t have to be a theater geek to appreciate how talented these kids are,” Tsarouhas said.
“This show is my favorite that I’ve done so far. There are jokes everywhere, and that is just my favorite part. It’s a good show for the group we have because we are all very comical. When I think of this show, I think pure comedy,” Farnsworth said.
“People should expect to laugh. I think they’re going to have fun. It is just a fun show,” Scanlon Harr said.
According to Scanlon Harr, the show was chosen not only because it is new and a fun comedic performance that would appeal to everyone, but because it really suited this year’s cast. They’ve been working on it since December, and Scanlon Harr felt the students have really progressed throughout the rehearsal process, even with missed snow days.
“We’re very fortunate. We have a lot of strong and talented guys as well as girls. This is a show that lends itself to a lot of people who are willing to take risks and be funny, and we felt that suited our program nicely,” Scanlon Harr said.
The director hopes those who attend will enjoy it and see the performance as a fun escape from reality. She hopes
they forget their struggles and instead laugh and dance along with the cast of “Spamalot.”
“It’s going to be one of the biggest shows of recent time in Moorestown because it is such a well known show with Monty Python. My family is going to invite more friends than they normally would to see the show because it is just a great show to come see,” Gross said.
Performances will take place in the Moorestown High School auditorium located at 350 Bridgeboro Road on Thursday, Feb. 26; Friday, Feb. 27; Saturday, Feb. 28; Friday, March 6; and Saturday, March 7. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. All tickets are $12. The Saturday, Feb. 28 performance will be ASL interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. There is a special matinee performance for senior citizens on Wednesday, March 4 at noon.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://moores townhstheater.weebly.com, e-mail moorestownhstheater@gmail.com or call the high school at (856) 778–6610 ext. 22368.
