BWW Reviews: SPAMALOT Shines In Brookings

I had the chance to catch SDSU's production of Spamalot on Saturday night Oct. 18th before it closed on Sunday the 19th. The first thing you need to know about this show is that is based on the 1975 movie Monty Python and The Search For the Holy Grail. Monty Python is a British comedy troupe known for its specific form of humor. Monty Python is referenced at just about every level of pop culture, as I am writing this my toddler is watching Sesame Street and a silly puppet is yelling, "Bring out your N!" which is a reference to, "Bring out yer dead!" from none other than Monty Python. Monty Python has a cult like following, to know Monty Python is to love Monty Python in most cases. In order to pull off the musical the cast had a responsibility to not only be familiar with Monty Python but to study it, in detail. This production of Spamalot did not disappoint. It was a wonderful night of theatre. It gave the audience the chance to sit back for two hours and be totally entertained.

Directed by J.D. Ackman, Spamalot had a cast of twenty students from SDSU. Some faces were familiar to the SDSU stage while some newcomers. This show used doubling (and in some cases, triple) casting that was at times confusing but it also demanded the actors to go in and out of a range of characters. The wonderful costuming (Billy Wilburn) helped tremendously when trying to keep everyone straight. Right off of the bat I was impressed with Dustin Kleba and Steven Marienau. Their comedic timing and dialect skills were strong and consistent. They each played multiple characters and in each character they shined. I loved Marienau as the French Taunter, even from way upstage Marienau was able to make the Taunter the perfect mix of sassy and irreverent.

The quest for the Holy Grail is lead by King Arthur, played by Tyus Beeson. This is the third show I have seen Beeson in and every time I am impressed with his physicality and vocal abilities. He once again led this show with maturity and a whole load of talent. Even under his impressive beard and heavy chain mail his facial expressions carried throughout the house. Beeson doesn't disappoint and this show was no different.

Another familiar face was Kristy Kayser as The Lady Of The Lake. Kayser once again showed her vocal talents and comedic timing and wow'ed the audience when she strutted her stuff in a very impressive skintight disco costume. It was fabulous, as was she. Kayser is someone to watch out for. She has a natural talent that easily carries her from one role to the next. I am excited to see what she does next.

Spamalot did not use a live pit but instead used recorded music. Even though I can see the benefits of that choice I felt it left some of the numbers feeling lack luster. Even though the choreography (Melissa Hauschild-Mork) was all around fun and appropriate, the energy of some the bigger routines didn't have the BANG I was longing for.

One performer who quite literally had me laughing out loud was Caleb Woodring. He played Patsy, the sidekick to Arthur. As Patsy, Woodring was spot on. One of the most famous songs from the show is Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. Throughout the song Woodring proved his talent. His timing and vocal range were impressive. He also played Prince Herbert; although a part not often doubled with Patsy he was the BEST actor for the job. His Herbert was nothing short of shining. He played each role with a mastery of comedic physicality and he had the audience rolling with laughter on many occasions. Woodring was hands down the stand out performance of the evening. I enjoyed him every single second he was on that stage. Well-done sir!

All around it was a light and entertaining evening of theatre. The audience thoroughly enjoyed it and I walked out with a smile on my face. Well-done SDSU! Can't wait for your next one!

Don't miss the next SDSU production of Chameleon Love- Nov. 18-24th

This original script by Prof. W. James Wood explores the bittersweet dynamics of a family facing a crisis. The family's history and relationships are played out as they grow and learn to redefine their relationships.

Call (605) 688-6131 to get tickets or visit their website!

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