MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT Set for Starlight Theatre, Now thru 6/6

A chorus line of dancing knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight will kick off Starlight Theatre's 63rd Season during Monty Python's Spamalot, tonight, May 31-June 6.

The outrageous musical comedy is "lovingly ripped off" from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." With music and lyrics by the Grammy-Award winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Show-stopping musical numbers include "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" and "Find Your Grail."

Monty Python's Spamalot is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical. The original cast recording won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show.

"You do not have to be a fan of Monty Python to enjoy Spamalot," said Denton Yockey, Starlight President and Executive Producer. "In fact, if you don't know anything about Monty Python or the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a great introduction. For those who are Monty Python fans, there is a good chance they're going to go nuts when they see this show."

Although Spamalot does not directly follow the original film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," it is just as irreverent with similar language, jokes and gags. "It's a show that adults and teens will enjoy together," Yockey said.

Monty Python's Spamalot is a co-production between Starlight and Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in Houston. "TUTS is a well-respected leader in the musical theatre industry. It has been a joy working with TUTS to bring this production to Kansas City," he said.

Taking the stage as King Arthur will be Tom Hewitt who has been nominated for both a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for his work in Broadway's The Rocky Horror Show. His other work on Broadway includes Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago, Dracula: The Musical and The Lion King. He has toured nationally in Peter Pan, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (at Starlight in 2005) and Urinetown. Janine DiVita who grew up in Overland Park will play The Lady of the Lake. She counts Grease, The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Anything Goes among her Broadway credits. She also appeared in the national tour of Young Frankenstein. Brian Sears who plays the Mayor/Patsy/Guard 2 also grew up in Overland Park. His Broadway credits include The Book of Mormon (original company), Lend Me A Tenor, Finian's Rainbow, Grease and All Shook Up. He last appeared at Starlight in Hello Dolly!

Other talented cast members with Broadway credits include Jonathan Hammond (Ragtime), Brian Shepard (Spamalot, Follies, Guys and Dolls, Young Frankenstein, Peter Pan and Annie Get Your Gun); Kevin Covert (Spamalot, Memphis and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying); Jeremy Webb (The Visit) and Adam Monley (Mamma Mia!).

Completing the cast are Lindsay Bracco, Sam Burkett, Caitlin Cannon, Danny Dyer, Kayla Hall, Afra Hines, Laura Henning, Andrew Hodge, Logan Kesler, Sam Kiernan, Julia Krohn, Alissa LaVergne, Robin Masella, Patrick O'Neill, Chuck Ragsdale, Buddy Reeder, Michaeljon Slinger and Borris York.

Marc Robin is the director and choreographer. He is the recipient of 16 Joseph Jefferson Awards, three Barrymore Nominations, a Carbonell nomination, 13 After Dark Awards, a Broadway World Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Light Opera Works. Jeff Rizzo is the musical director and conductor. Also joining the creative team are Kit Bond, sound designer, and Richard Winkler, lighting designer.

Tickets to Monty Python's Spamalot are now on sale for $10 - $85. Season ticket holders can save up to 36 percent off the price of a single ticket to Spamalot plus receive exclusive discounts including free parking, concession stand and shopping discounts, and free exchanges. Tickets are available at kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or in person at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Discounted ticket prices for groups of 15 or more can be ordered by contacting Stacey Million, Starlight's group sales manager, at groups@kcstarlight.com or 816-997-1137.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. Dining options for Spamalot include pre-show dining in the VIP Club catered by Plaza Catering that includes hot buffet items, extensive salad selections, a veggie garden bar, upscale desserts, children's menu and Bistro fare items such as salads and sandwiches. Reservations may be made in advance; walk-ups are also welcome. The menu for Spamalot is posted at www.kcstarlight.com. Other dining options include concession stand favorites and pre-packagEd Salads and sandwiches on the Encore Deck provided by ARAMARK.

Pre-show tours of the stage, Starlight's Walk of Stars, gardens and fountains are offered nightly along with pre-show performances at the Starlight Square stage. Free nightly, behind-the-scenes tours with information about Starlight and its rich history begin at 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 7 p.m. at the top of the theatre behind Terrace Section 1. The Ovation Gift Store is open from 6 p.m. through end of show. Accessible parking and guest assistance getting in and out of the theater are available. For information about other Starlight services, visit kcstarlight.com.

NOTABLE DATES:

May 31 - Opening Night, Young Professionals Night. Young professionals receive special seating and group ticket discount price. Email stacey.million@kcstarlight.com
June 1 - Performance will be described for the blind and visually impaired by Kansas Audio-Reader Network.
June 2 - Performance will be interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

June 3 - Boy Scout Pack Night. Special Scout seating and group ticket discount price for all Boy Scouts and their families, plus a patch. Email groups@kcstarlight.com

Starlight Theatre opened in 1951 and is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City and the second largest outdoor producing theatre in the country. In addition to presenting and producing Broadway musicals and concerts, the not-for-profit organization offers extensive community outreach and educational programming which includes classes, scholarships and Starlight's Blue Star Awards, the second largest musical theatre award program for local high schools and students in the country. Located on 16 acres, Starlight's venue includes rehearsal halls, gift store, club area for dining, concessions, gardens, fountains and a 10-story, climate-controlled stage.

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