'Spamalot' takes to the tent at Corn Stock

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If you like Monty Python, get ready to laugh a lot with “Spamalot” at Corn Stock Theatre, starting Friday through Aug. 30 under the tent in Upper Bradley Park.

Based on the hit 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Spamalot” makes it regional premiere at Corn Stock with a cast of well-known local theatre veterans who take the madcap antics to new heights. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students.

“One of the great things about the cast is that it is a remarkable blend of experience and newcomers,” said director Tim Wyman. “Some of the most talented veterans in community theatre are sharing their considerable talents and I think that’s a unique element of this show.”

Eric Ewan heads the cast as King Arthur with Karl Augspurger playing the king’s trusted companion, Patsy.

Eddie Urish, well known to local audiences from his successes on community stages as well as on local television, is on a Peoria stage for the first time since coming off a lengthy national professional tour of the Broadway hit “Memphis.” He portrays Sir Robin, along with other characters.

Tim Drew will portray Sir Lancelot and impress with his various accents in other roles while Lee Wenger, long a Peoria favorite, will don a blond wig while portraying the dashing Sir Galahad. Mark Bircher portrays Sir Bedevere, while Aaron Elwell portrays Not Dead Fred and Herbert.

Carmen McCarthy makes her Corn Stock debut in the role of Lady of the Lake. “Carmen sings like an angel. I can’t remember a better voice in recent years,” Wyman said. He also singled out Elwell, who joined the cast late because he was in the earlier Corn Stock production of “Guys and Dolls”, saying he “is a triple threat and audiences will adore him.”

 “Scripts like this don’t come around very often. All the songs are funny, toe-tapping and memorable. Given this is a dance-heavy show I knew I needed a good choreographer. I lucked into one who is way, way beyond good,” Wyman said, referring to Robin Hunt. “Robin’s ability to choreograph to the level of the ability of the dancer and make them look Broadway-worthy is one of her many gifts.”

John Davis is the music director, returning to the Corn Stock stage for the first time in many years. “I absolutely lucked into John Davis, who has worked professionally all his life in music. His talent, old-time dedication and commitment is more than welcome. The cohesiveness of the chorus, given their blend of ages, is wonderful,” Wyman said.

There are eight women and eight men in the chorus and they include veterans and newcomers.

“Spamalot” was written by Eric Idle, who provides the voice of God in the show, John DePrez and Neil Innes. It won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005.

Songs include “Always Look On The Bright of Life,” “I Am Not Dead Yet,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” “I’m All Alone” and “Twice In Every Show.”

To reserve tickets call the Corn Stock box office at 676-2196 or online at www.cornstocktheatre.com.