'Spamalot' brings silly humor to South Elgin

Posted February 23, 2015 10:00 pm

Submitted by James Lehman

South Elgin High School's production of "Spamalot" features humorous scenes from Monty Python. Performers include, front row, from left, Cadie Rzeppa, Ashley Mattson, Elise Pentecouteau; back row from left, Gretchen Metzger, Desdemona Kurowski and Elly Rivera. COURTESY OF SOUTH ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL

Students at South Elgin High School feel right at home as they bring the highly irreverent humor of "Spamalot" to life on stage this week.

This Broadway musical comedy was adapted from the iconic film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," which parodies the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable.

"I thought the majority of students would never have heard of Monty Python," said director Karen Brhel. "I was surprised how many were familiar with and have watched the movie 'Holy Grail' numerous times. The humor in the show is very dry but these students get it and love it."

The musical was chosen as a contemporary contrast to last year's highly successful "Oklahoma," which is a more traditional musical. Also, this year's student talent fits the show's ensemble cast nicely.

Surprisingly, there has been much for the students to learn from what seems to be only wicked fun.

"The songs are written in various musical styles from a Renaissance sonnet to a pop ballad," Brhel said. "There are also melodic references intertwined with the 'Spamalot' tunes like the 'Dreidel song.'"

Being funny on stage is not always easy, especially with the zany, sophisticated humor of this show, and students have been sharpening their comedic skills, learning how to deliver funny lines with perfect timing.

But in the end, this show is terrific fun for the students and will be great entertainment for audiences, according to Brhel.

Brhel is both director and musical director. Reneé Heitman is choreographer, Mary Crum is costume director, Brian "Stick" Leatherby is technical director, and Ashley Taylor is student director. Many parents are helping with props, sets, tickets, and refreshments.

Parents are cautioned that the show's content is more "mature" than some musicals and could be considered PG-13.

Performances of "Spamalot" are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26-28, in the South Elgin High School auditorium, 760 E. Main St. All tickets will be reserved seating and will be available in advance by calling (847) 289-3760, ext. 3409, or at the box office on the day of performance. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. The box office will open one hour before each show.

From bottom to top, Tim Bimler, Tiger Khokunthod, David Larsen, and Anthony Sparks are in the South Elgin High School production of "Spamalot." COURTESY OF SOUTH ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL

From left, Annamarie Schutt, Anna Felker, Ashley Taylor, Rebekah Tobin and Kailie Ryan are featured in the South Elgin High School production of "Spamalot." COURTESY OF SOUTH ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL

If you go

What: South Elgin High School's production of "Spamalot"

When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26-28

Where: South Elgin High School auditorium, 760 E. Main St.

Tickets: $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. All tickets will be reserved seating and will be available in advance by calling (847) 289-3760, ext. 3409, or at the box office, which opens one hour before each show.

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