Review: MONTY PYTHONS SPAMALOT at Noel S. Ruiz

"Monty Python's Spamalot," the Tony Award winning Broadway musical comes to life at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre until November 5 in Oakdale, New York and it is spectacular! From the hysterical performances to the amazing sets and vibrant costumes, this production dazzles and shines!

"Spamalot" tells the legendary tale of King Arthur's quest to find the Holy Grail- a royal goblet. Along his journey, we meet his confidants, a diva, a killer rabbit and much, much more. The Knights of the Round Table are headed here by a terrific Donald J. Dowdell as King Arthur. His singing, dancing and coming timing are spot on. Marielle Greguski as The Lady of the Lake practically stole the show with her melodic voice and had the audience in stitches! Andrew Murano was a perfect Sir Lancelot as well as Vincent Donnadio as Prince Herbert, Andrew Lenahan as Sir Dennis Galahad, Matthew Surico as Sir Robin.

Perhaps the funniest character in the show and my personal favorite is "Not Dead Fred," played brilliantly by Steve Cottonaro who croons "I am not dead yet" over and over again to raucous laughter. Mr. Cottonaro is an phenominal actor who we hope to see more of in the future.

Kudos to the entire cast and crew lead by Director Kristen Digilio who was sitting in the audience applauding and cheering for her team on opening night. She poured her heart and soul into this production and it payed off big time. Ms. Digilio, along with choreographer M.E. Junge, are certainly the holy grail of this "Spamalot." Go and enjoy, it'll be a knight to remember!

Inspired by the classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical also diverts a bit from more traditional versions of the legend. Instead, Spamalot features shennanigans including a line of beautiful dancing girls, a flatulent Frenchmen and killer rabbits. Outside, there is a plague with a 50% chance of pestilence and famine. Throughout the show, Arthur, traveling with his servant Patsy, recruits severAl Knights to accompany him on his quest, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot and Sir Galahad. Besides the rabbits and farting Frenchman, they meet such characters aas the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter, Not Dead Fred, the Black Knight and the Knights who say Ni. RATED PG-13.

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Monty Pythons Spamalot is presented by The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre through November 5th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com

Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle, Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, Musical Director Matthew M. Surico, Choreography by M.E. Junge, Set Designer PatRick Grossman, Sound Designer Nicolette Carosi, Lighting Designer Allison Weinberger, Stage Manager Karen Tese, Costume Designer Ronals Green III. Directed by Kristen Digilio.

Starring: Steve Cottonaro, Carl Tese, Donald J.Dowdell, Matthew Surico, Andrew Murano, Andrew Lenahan, Marc Slomowitz, Marielle Greguski, Vincent Donnadio, Alison Carella, Ryan Cavanagh, David DiMarzo, Jessica Donlon, Mackenzie Gallo, Jacqueline Hughes, Michelle LaBozzetta, Corey Martin, Ashley Nicastro, Samantha Rosario, David Tucciarone