Get Ready to Laugh with "Spamalot"

One of the reviewers of the national touring production of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” said to see the show “is to laugh a lot.” Those in the Fort Smith audience Jan. 30 will have the chance to see for themselves.

The curtain goes up for the musical, which is part of Season of Entertainment 31 sponsored by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, at 7:30 p.m. at the Arkansas Best Corp. Performing Arts Center at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Admission is by Season 31 season ticket, or individual tickets are $35 or $32, available at www.ticketsage.com/uafs or at the UAFS Box Office in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 479-788-7300.

Promotional materials describe “Spamalot” as “lovingly ripped off” from the internationally famous comedy team’s most popular motion picture, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The irreverent parody, which has dialogue and situations inappropriate for children, tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail. It features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

The show, although it does have a plot, pokes fun at Broadway musicals and of itself and is complete with award-winning music, surprise situations, unpredictable mishaps and characteristically naughty bits and politically incorrect pieces for which Monty Python is renowned. The show has been said to bring audiences to their feet, singing along with the cast -- at least when they could stop laughing.

Monty Python, although implying an individual’s name, is actually a group of actors and writers, all British except for one American, who performed their famous comedy show on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, with subsequent international fame and success.

“Monty Python’s Spamalot” won several 2005 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Director, as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical. The original cast recording also won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Director Mike Nichols has been acclaimed as “one of the great American directors in film, theater and television.” He has won an Academy Award and eight Tony Awards as well as the Directors’ Guild of America Award for Lifetime Achievement. Others involved in the production also have numerous awards and credits to their names.

“Spamalot” is one of four national touring events offered in Season 31, along with 10 productions and concerts featuring UAFS students. The final touring show of the year, “Come Fly Away,” is scheduled for Feb. 13.

For more information, call 479-788-7300.