BWW Reviews: 'Dinner and a Show' -Media's SPAMALOT and the Rose Tree Restaurant

Once again we head up to beautiful Media Pa. for Media Theater's production of the Broadway hit show Monty Python's Spamalot; a show where you don't have to be a Monty Python fan, but it sure helps!

First stop though is one of Media's Theater's partnering and supporting restaurants The Rose Tree Restaurant. Had this incredible eatery been set in England during King Arthur's legacy there's no doubt you would have found the royAl Knights dinning on a feast fit for a king!

The tradition of dining at the Rose Tree Inn began in a time when country gentleman from Chester and Delaware County met with rich Philadelphians for a meal after fox hunting, horse races (on real horses!) and carriage rides (with no dead people!). A lot has changed since that time, but the Rose Tree has retained much of the elegance of its past, and has been an institution for area diners, as well as for planners of business meetings, bridal showers, and other events for almost 60 years.

General Manager David Furst has this to say about the unique presentations of the wonderful cuisine they serve. "Chef Larry Knight and I have been tasting and experimenting with fresh, local ingredients. My mantra in developing this menu was always the same: If Chef isn't excited about making it or I'm not excited about serving it, it won't make it on the new menu. I am passionate about offering inspiRed Food and beverages that my staff can feel the same kind of pride. I believe we achieved that goal."

Our choices consisted of two sinfully rich soups, crab and corn chowder and the Kennett Square creamy Mushroom soup. Appetizers were Mushroom Vol au Vent - jumbo lump crab, wild mushrooms and asparagus in a puff pastry and blackened Tilapia Bruscheta served on tender crispy baguette. Main Entrees were Jumbo Lump Maryland Crab (tender and fresh enough to talk to you!), with parsnip puree and sautéed vegetables as well as Pan Roasted Salmon (to die for!) pad rock shrimp salad with ginger vinaigrette and sautéed baby bok choy. This restaurant also servers "small plates"; a popular choice among those with smaller appetites in addition to a full line of creative starter salads, and unique sandwiches. Desserts include Banana Spring Rolls with macadamia nuts and coffee ice cream, a Chocolate Toffee Pyramid and Apple Cobbler, all specially homemade.

The atmosphere is unique with several rooms and a floor plan from an intimate 3 table private party room to several spacious business and banquet rooms, most with their own fireplace and light airy decor. Visit www.RoseTreeRestaurant.com for reservations and information, or call 610-891-1205

As one of the musical creators Eric Idol describes his wacky musical; "Monty Python's Spamalot is a musical comedy "lovingly ripped off from" the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian Legend, but it differs from the film in many ways".

Imagine a show with musical numbers such a "Fish Schlapping Song", " I Am Not Dead Yet", " The Song That Goes Like This" and the highly insulting hilarious " You Won't Succeed on Broadway (if you haven't got any Jews." ) The original 2005 Broadway production, directed by Mike Nichols, won three Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical of the 2004-2005 season and received 14 Tony Award nominations. During its initial run of over 1,500 performances it was seen by more than two million people and grossed over $175 million. Enough said!

Media has reached a new high with an belly laughing Equity principal cast. Scott Langdon, while a bit slight in stature (for a king) commands the role of Arthur. His side kick David Jack (Patsy) either English or one heck of a convincing character role. His " Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" and " He's All Alone" are delightfully British.

Arthur's band of stoogies that make up his not- so- bright or brave knights feature Tim Haney in diverse roles of the flatulent Bedevere/Mrs. Galahad/Conrad; all playfully played out. The very talented Patrick Ludt as the not-so- brave Sir Robin, Jay Poff as Dennis/Sir Galahad, Harrison Post as Prince Herbert and Will Harrell as a standout performer as Sir Lancelot/Taunter/ Ni Knight! The multi talented Ann Crumb is a powerhouse as Lady of the Lake, the self absorbed diva who captures all the attention she can muster up, so well.

Director/Choreographer Dann Dunn brings an outstanding amount of comedic character development and flawless tight dance moves to this faced paced, busy production. Scenic Designs (Lance Kniskern), Sound by Carl Park and Lighting Designer (Troy Martin O'Shia) all add to a flawless delivery that delights!

SPAMALOT- plays at the Media Theater,104, East St. Media Pa through Nov. 3, 2013. For tickets and information visit www.mediatheatre.org or call 610.891.0100

Photo Credits: # 1 Rose Tree Restaurant www.rosetreerestaurant.com Photo # 2 Will Harrell (Ni Knight), Scott Langdon (King Arthur), David Jack (Patsy) Photo # 3 Will Harrell (Lancelot), Ann Crumb (Lady of the Lake), Photo # 4 Scott Langdon (King Arthur), David Jack ( Patsy) - Courtesy Media Theater PR.

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