Ann Crumb to Play 'Lady of the Lake' in Media Theatre's SPAMALOT, 9/25-11/3

"Diva's Lament" will be performed by Tony nominated actress Ann Crumb when The Media Theatre presents the hilarious Monty Python musical Spamalot, September 25-November 3. She has appeared on Media's stage previously in the acclaimed productions Master Class, Wings, and Souvenir. In those three productions she was directed by Artistic Director Jesse Cline.

"Ann is a legendary actress who delighted audiences in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Aspects of Love on Broadway and in London's West End," Cline said. "Her talent is extraordinary and she will bring a fresh life to The Lady of the Lake."

She was nominated for the Tony Award when she appeared in "Anna Karenina." She has appeared on almost every regional theatre stage in the Philadelphia region and recently won a Best Actress Award for her work in "Sunset Boulevard" in Colorado. She is the recipient of a Barrymore Award and an Arts Recognition Award. Her television credits include "Law and Order" and "One Life to Live". She has performed in concerts around the world and on her father George Crumb's Grammy winning 70th Birthday album.

Other members of the cast of The Media Theatre's Spamalot are Dan Schiff as King Arthur, David Jack as Patsy, Patrick Ludt as Robin, Will Harrell as Lancelot, Tim Haney as Bedevere, Jay Poff as Galahad, and Harrison Post as Prince Herbert.

The cast is completed by Rachel Beiswenger, Will Connell, Ashley Douglas, JP Dunphy, Sam Nagel, Will Pazdziora, Taylor Elise Rector, Megan Rucidlo, Billy Steeves, and Melody Wilson.

Monty Python's Spamalot is a comedic musical based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It received the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical. Much like the classic film from the '70's, it follows a non-traditional and surreal strand of humor as King Arthur journeys to find the Holy Grail. The King recruits several eccentric and somewhat ridiculous Knights for his quest. Along the way they meet The Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, The Knights of Ni and a few other bizarre characters.

Monty Python fans appreciate the references in Spamalot to familiar material from the Python repertoire including the song "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life" and the Fisch Shlapping Dance. The name of the show is a reference to one of their songs in which the lyrics convey this message: "We eat ham, and jam, and spam alot."

Broadway and show aficionados find the show's references to other musicals quite entertaining, particularly the number "The Song That Goes Like This" which is a spoof of Webber compositions and other power ballads. Poking fun at Vegas glitz is also a large element in Spamalot. Upon its premiere, The New York Times called the show "Resplendently silly...An eager celebration of inanity."

For tickets to Monty Python's Spamalot at The Media Theatre September 25-November 3, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

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