Theater Review: Monty Python's Spamalot

Based on "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," the spoof, "Monty Python's Spamalot," continues in Indianapolis through June 29 (Click here for show times and tickets) at the Athenaeum, 407 E. Michigan St.

Apparently, according to those who read this column, there is something sorely lacking in my life having never seen any Monty Python film or Spamalot.  Well, that has changed now.

The review of the BobDirex production was a must for me ~ even without the insistence of hecklers on FB and Twitter. Simply because of the lineup and knowing Kenny Shepard is choreographing the comedy of blunders. The cast list is a who's who of Indy theater favorites: Charles Goad, Paul Hansen, Claire Wilcher, Sally Scharbrough, Dave Ruark, Danny Kingston and Pete Scharbrough.

New to me (but worth keeping track of) is Ben Asaykwee of Cabaret Poe at Q Artistry.

The cast, as a whole, is so enjoyable you feel as if you, the audience, is in on some fabulous practical joke and for a couple of hours are immersed in hilarity times 10 ~ at a silly, sophomore level. It is fun and portrayed with the professionalism one expects from this level of talent to produce.
Each pairing ~ Goad/Hansen, Wicher/Goad, Asaykwee/Kingston, et al ~ plays out with supreme rhythm and without missing a beat, no matter what the circumstances. There is no need to highlight only or or two actors, as is usual, when the entire cast shines.

Bottom Line: Spamalot is easily going to rank in the "Must See" lists of everyone and I won't be surprised to see an encore production required.

Images: Zack Rosing

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Actors Theatre of Indiana: Chicago the Musical

Actors Theatre of Indiana has opened Chicago the Musical, in its new home at The Studio Theater, The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel.
The 1997 Tony Award-winning production, which runs through May 22, is always popular and well suited to a large or small stage. Directed by Judy Fitzgerald, this version has the musical quartet to the side of the stage but still involved with the show.

Readers of Gotta Go will be pleased to find familiar names in this show, including Beef And Boards regulars, such as Destination Actor J. Vessels (Smoke on the Mountain) portraying Mary Sunshine, Paul Hansen (Spelling Bee) as Amos Hart, Kenny Shepard (Wizard of Oz), and Sally Scharbrough (Hairspray).

Paul Hansen as Amos Hart

Holly Stults portrays murderess Velma Kelly with a solid vocal and dance performance, while Cynthia Collins turns in an equally solid Roxie Hart. Kelly and Hart want to be stars in the worst way possible, and are willing to murder anyone who gets in their way. When their crimes land them in prison, they opt for Razzle Dazzle lawyer, Billy Flynn, portrayed by Bradley Reynolds.

The entire cast blends well and there is obvious enjoyment by all as they work All That Jazz. Stepping into this week's Gotta Go spotlight is Paul Hansen as Amos Hart, Roxie's pathetically optimistic husband. Hansen's Mr. Cellophane is the perfect combination of dejection and acceptance at his lot in life. Throughout the show his character sublimely continues to hope that Roxie isn't the conniving self-absorbed wrench she actually is and is still his blushing bride.

The spotlight also shines brightly on Reynolds, Collins, Vessels and company in the delightfully twisted We Both Reached for the Gun. Admitting he is the puppet master, Flynn explains to Roxie how she needs to simply say whatever he tells her and the newspaper reporters will mimic the sentiments. The acknowledgment of his powers of influence are demonstrated perfectly in this favorite song and dance number.

A special note regarding Scharbrough who plays Murderess Annie. I have followed her career over the past four years and believe she has now evolved from the innocent characters and is ready to handle a vixen or tough role, perhaps even Chicago's Velma Kelly. It's wonderful to see her develop her abilities and look forward to seeing her handle stronger roles in the future.

Bottom Line: ATI's Chicago blends strong choreography, vocals and seasoned performers for the first show in its new home.

Photos: Julie Curry Photography

 Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook or email her at elizabeth@gottago.us.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.