Stage Left Players delight audience with ‘Spamalot’
By Eric McCrea
Lisbon
Although you won’t find many references to tinned ham in “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” you will find all the best lines from their “Holy Grail” and a cart full of new songs.
The Stage Left Players in Lisbon made ample use of the familiarity when they opened to a packed house Friday.
The show begins with an introduction to England and the legendary King Arthur, played by Mark Frost. After he gathers knights to join him at his very round table, a quest to find the Holy Grail is gloriously bestowed upon him. “Galloping” along with his trusty sidekick Patsy (Eric Kibler), King Arthur makes little progress and finds the grail only with the assistance of a big helping hand, but everyone finds their true selves all on their own.
Director Kandace Cleland found some great talent to fill the cast. Many of the actors played multiple roles, such as Stage Left alum Jacob Ward. He showed great comedic intuition as Sir Bedevere and Concorde the horse, but his portrayal of Dennis’s Mother had the audience in stitches.
Chris Hager nailed some of the most memorable parts such as the leader of the Knights that say Ni and the French Taunter, but he also was outstanding musically with songs such as “I Am Not Dead Yet” and the second part of the finale.
Hager sang beside Paul Dahman who was an undeniable standout. He was able to take some of the minor roles and make them amazingly funny. Beginning with Not Dead Fred all the way through to Prince Herbert, his charisma was put to good use whenever possible.
The politically minded Sir Galahad was capably played by Zeb Zehentenbauer, and he showed off his skill for accents. Spenser Cox was charming as the theatrical pacifist Sir Robin. He was particularly amusing alongside Dahman’s Minstrel.
Bethany Kholos shined as the diva-licious Lady of the Lake. Filling the only lead female role, she sang fantastically with Zehentenbauer in “The Song That Goes Like This” and she showed her funny side with the song “What Ever Happened to My Part.”
Frost and Kibler carried the show well together. Frost had the perfect look for King Arthur and Kibler’s ability to react was perfectly suited in his role. The two had great chemistry, which was exemplified in “I’m All Alone” and “King Arthur’s Song.”
A strong ensemble made big numbers impressive, and the knights in particular were outstanding in their group numbers such as “All For One” and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”
Many detailed costumes and a solid castle enhanced the look of the show, but some less-important pieces didn’t quite meet the bar set by the more detailed ones. A big technical glitch marred opening night in a pretty awkward way, but the cast didn’t seem to let that get to them.
The Stage Left Players will present “Monty Python’s Spamalot” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. today and next Sunday at The Trinity Playhouse 234 E. Lincoln Way, Lisbon. For reservations, visit stageleftplayers.org.