DM Community Playhouse Performance Academy to Present SPAMALOT: YOUNG AT PART, 7/31-8/1

The Des Moines Community Playhouse Performance Academy presents "Spamalot: Young at Part," July 31-Aug. 1. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261 and at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.

"Spamalot: Young at Part" is a 70-minute version of the popular musical, which itself was based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." The script is adapted to suit teen voices and edited to fit young audience attention spans. In "Spamalot: Young at Part," King Arthur and his knights embark on a search for the Grail, encountering many silly characters along the way. The show is recommended for ages 8 and up.

The cast of 31 includes Natalie Bezy, Jenna Brady, Michael Bundy, Annalise Duzenberry, Sarah Frett, Megan Gilbreath, Olivia Gorden, Natalie Grote, Jillian Hess, Alexis Hutchins, Keshara James, Jordan Kinney, Maia Klein, Allison Koch, Isaac Lodwick, Marco Masteller, Gary McCall, Elizabeth Miglin, Broghan Patton, Sadie Peltz, Madison Pulica, Olivia Ramaekers, Skylar Robertson, Sarah Sahlin, Emma Schaben, Marisa Spahn, Julianne Ungs, Carver Van Thournout, Jade Van Thournout, Katie Waddingham, and Ellie Whisler. "Spamalot: Young at Part" is directed by Anne Frett, with music direction by Katy Merriman and choreography by Alison Shafer.

The Playhouse Performance Academy is young people creating shows, under the direction of professional artistic staff, and complete with sets, costumes, and props, to be seen by families. Open to students in grades 7-12, the Academy provides an opportunity for young people to work on the performance skills necessary to go to the next level of acting, college or professional.

This July, the students, representing 18 Central Iowa schools, will rehearse 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. During the course of this three-week Academy, students will take intensive acting, singing, and dance courses, in addition to learning their lines, dances, songs, and blocking for the featured production. Area professionals, including college professors, will teach master classes or stop by for "working lunchtime" discussions.

The Playhouse is beginning its 97th consecutive season and is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the nation. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about the Playhouse and "Spamalot: Young at Part," contact the Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261.

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