July 01, 2014

‘Spamalot’ comes to McLeod Summer Playhouse

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” the silly musical based on the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s McLeod Summer Playhouse this summer. 

Performances in the Communications Building are July 11-13 and 18-20. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances beginning at 2 p.m. 

The musical follows King Arthur and his knights on a boisterously merry quest to find the Holy Grail. This send-up of the Arthurian legend follows the Camelot band through a series of tasks, including fetching shrubbery for the Knights of Ni and disarming the protector of the bridge. Anachronisms, sight gags, and parodies of well-known Broadway musicals contribute to the mirthful lunacy. 

Monty Python was a British comedy group that created the sketch comedy show “Monty Python and the Flying Circus” that aired on BBC from 1969 to 1974. 

This McLeod Summer Playhouse production features a cast of talented professional actors and guest director Aaron Tuttle.  Tuttle’s directing experience includes productions in several major American cities and with ensembles including the Blue Man Group.  

Tickets for the production are $25 for adults and $10 for students.  Tickets are available from noon to 5 p.m. at the McLeod Theater or SIU Arena box offices, online at playhouse.siu.edu or by phone at 618/453-6000.  Tickets are also available at the McLeod Theater box office beginning one hour before each performance.  All seats are reserved.