Theatre: Spamalot Makes LI Debut In Patchogue

Editorial Note: Elise Pearlman, a journalist who has specialized in arts and leisure for seven years, studied aesthetics as part of the course of study for her doctoral degree. She has been reviewing theater across Long Island for over three years.

In 2005, I interviewed Terry Jones, of the British comedy troupe, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, who co-wrote and directed the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Shortly thereafter, Spamalot opened to rave reviews on Broadway, winning three Tonys, including Best Musical.

The musical, an adaptation of the movie, reprises the madcap adventures of King Arthur and his knights as they search for the Holy Grail, the legendary vessel used by Christ at the Last Supper. At the end, an audience member is invited to join the troupe on stage, a plot twist which sent bidding on eBay through the roof.

If you weren’t lucky enough to score Broadway tickets or didn’t want to shell out $400 for a seat on eBay, despair not. The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County has snagged the Long Island debut, which runs at the through July 30. The musical, written by Eric Idle, a Python who collaborated with John Du Prez for the music, pokes fun at the legend of King Arthur, and it’s unlike anything that you have ever seen.

As the show opens, there’s clearly something rotten in Denmark or rather medieval England. Although King Arthur (Peter Simon Hilton) is pompously royal, he is gets no respect and rightfully so. He’s traveling on foot through the countryside in hopes of recruiting knights. Servant Patsy (Jeremy Morse) is merely clapping together two coconut shells to mimic the sound of horse’s hooves, a faux pas which doesn’t go unnoticed by disgruntled locals.

This is just the beginning of the quirky, often risqué humor for which the Monty Python troupe is known. Nothing is sacred, not even death, which made clear in the song, “I Am Not Dead Yet” where Sir Robin (Matthew Crowle) is a bit hasty about collecting the body of one plague victim (Brian Golub).

The musical draws on pop culture, and mocks musical theater in general. It turns out that the Lady of the Lake (Coleen Sexton), who bestowed the Excalibur sword on Arthur, is a diva who bemoans the size of her role. When Sir Arthur and the gang arrive at Camelot, they’re treated to a Las Vegas-like revue starring the Lady of Lake and her scantily clad Laker Girls. Thank goodness, whatever happens in Camelot, stays in Camelot.

The production resonates with teamwork and talented leads, who sing, tap dance and play multiple roles. In addition to the aforementioned actors, you’ll love Chris Cooke as Sir Bedevere, John Rochette as Sir Lancelot, Andrew Kober as Prince Herbert’s father, and Sir Galahad, and Golub as Prince Herbert. The voice of God is none other than Eric Idle himself.

Musical highlights include “The Song That Goes Like This,” “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” “The Diva’s Lament,” “Brave Sir Robin,” and “His Name Is Lancelot.”

And, as in the Broadway production, expect the fourth wall to be broken.

The Patchogue Theatre is located at 71 East Main Street, Patchogue. For tickets call (631) 286-1133 or visit gatewayplayhouse.com. Admission is $25-$57.