Monty Python's hilarious musical "Spamalot" opens Friday April 28th at the Farmington Players Barn. Director Tony Targan calls it, "The legend of King Arthur taken to a whole new level of absurdity." Click the video player to hear one of the popular songs from the show. Click the video player to hear a clip from one of the show's popular songs.
"At its heart Spamalot is about the pursuit of happiness-how to find your GRAIL in life - which is something everyone can relate to." That's how director Tony Targan describes the hit Broadway musical comedy that will end The Farmington Players season, providing loads of laughter. The show opens Friday April 28th and runs through Sunday May 21st. Tickets are available at www.farmingtonplayers.org or 248-553-2955.
Spamalot by John DuPrez and Eric Idle is adapted from the 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." The Broadway show won three Tony Awards in 2005, including one for "Best Musical." It serves as an irreverent parody of the story of King Arthur. Targan, of West Bloomfield, says it's basically the Arthurian legend, "taken to a whole new level of absurdity." Targan is a longtime self-described "Python fan" who appreciates the genius of comic timing. His actors shine in various bizarre situations, milking each moment to make sense out of nonsense.
The farce is jammed with jokes that fly fast and furious as Arthur and his clueless knights search for the "Holy Grail." Along the way, they encounter strange places, and wacky characters, including Knights who say "Ni" and taunting Frenchmen.
The Knights begin their quest "clip clopping" with their horses through the countryside. With the help of music director Steve Woznicki, his band members and choreographer Mary Murphy, they repeatedly break into side-splitting song and dance numbers that enhance their antics.
Musical theater fans will recognize various hilarious numbers: "I am Not Dead Yet," "The Song That Goes Like This," "Knights of The Round Table," "You Won't Succeed on Broadway," "The Diva's Lament," and many more. In addition, Targan says, "Monty Python fans will laugh at all the Holy Grail humor, from coconut-riding knights to Tim the Enchanter."
Spamalot's own advertising describes itself as a show "lovingly ripped off" from that classic 70's film, but Targan believes it's actually better, because the magic of live theater enhances the audience experience. He has assembled a cast of fabulous and talented actors committed to letting laughter rule the stage at The Farmington Players Barn.
"We have an insanely talented and dedicated cast. From auditions to first read-through to first time off-book, these guys have constantly exceeded my expectations," says Targan. "Their vocal and dance skills -- including tap -- are remarkable and I know that audiences are going to be wowed by our musical numbers."
You might say this show is Targan's "Holy Grail." After appearing in six musicals, it's the first one he's directed at The Farmington Players. And he's achieving something he's always desired: combining his passions of Python and musical theater in one hilarious show.
