Bashaw Community Theatre brought a sneak peek of its upcoming fall production to town last week, performing a selection of songs for Stettler United Church’s monthly coffee house.
The theatre group is busily preparing Spamalot, a Tony-winning musical adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The show spoofs the legend of King Arthur and also serves as a sendup of history, religion and Broadway culture.
Cast members performed a selection of songs to an appreciative audience at Stettler United Church on Thursday, Oct. 16, accompanied by pianist Robin King.
Organizer Mary-Lou Manson said the coffee houses, held third Thursday of each month, are intended as a community gathering with an open mic, where anyone can sing, read, dance or offer other talents, with coffee, drinks and snacks available.
“We thought we would have it in the sanctuary of our church, just so people would feel comfortable here, too,” said Manson, who stressed that the events have no religious element.
Most of the cast for Spamalot was present on Thursday, though not in costume, to perform some highlights from the two-hour show.
“Sir Galahad had a baby this afternoon,” said King, explaining that the songs chosen for the preview were based on what was ready and which cast members were available.
Spamalot will be performed at Bashaw United Church from Nov. 14 to 16 and again from Nov. 21 to 23, followed by two performances at Camrose’s Performing Arts Centre on Nov. 28 and 29.
The show features a cast of about 40, ranging in age from high schoolers to older adults. Most of the cast are based in Bashaw, but Stettler’s Aaryn Lynham is featured prominently as the Lady of the Lake.
Damien Scofield plays King Arthur, while Cole Oleson plays his sidekick Patsy.
The theatre group had rehearsals in late spring and began blocking scenes in September. Director Lori Miller said the show features more dancing and choreography than their usual fare, but added the cast and crew would be ready for the premiere. She promised that the show would be “worth the trip” for out-of-towners.
“This is probably the one that’s the funniest and the most fun,” added King. “Certainly (it’s) the silliest.”
Tickets for the upcoming performances are available online at www.bashawcommunitytheatre.com or www.camroselive.ca.