BWW Reviews: Riverside Center Dinner Theater's Laugh Filled MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT

Growing up in the 70's, I have seen Monty Python on the big screen and the little screen. Now, I have seen the Broadway musical Monty Python's SPAMALOT on a big stage (in the national tour) and on a littler stage at Riverside Center Dinner Theater in Fredericksburg. While the stage at Riverside may be comparatively small; the laughs were just as big, and the talent was just as large.

SPAMALOT was originally a 1975, low budget film parodying Camelot, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The musical is filled with classic Monty Python shtick and slapstick, including men dressed as women; but also includes gorgeous women dressed as...women. The show even utilizes many of the well-known, low-budget Monty Python animations via a projection backdrop and occasional flying set pieces.

It is an ingenious mix of classic Monty Python material intertwined with modern references- and several local references written into the script. There's even some audience participation.

Alan Hoffman is energetic, pompous and regal as King Arthur; with a booming voice and domineering stage presence. Victoria Mayo is the ultimate diva, taking on multiple song styles with a high "caliber" performance as the muse who gives Arthur his sword, Excalibur, ordains him as king and proves to be his true love. She commands the stage with her every note and movement.

There are strong supporting performances from the Knights of the Round Table (who double in many other parts) including Sir Robin (Michael Windsor), Sir Lancelot (Calvin David Malone), Sir Dennis Galahad (Chad Fornwalt) and Sir Bedevere (Ian Lane). Malone also stands out in a hysterical bit as the French Taunter. Jeremy Michael Lagunas is endearing as the downtrodden, coconut clapping aide to Arthur. There is even a voice-tracked guest spot from "Celebrity Guest" Sally Struthers (who is becoming a Riverside mainstay).

Director and Choreographer Dann Dunn utilizes the small cast and small stage well. While there were a couple of sound and lighting glitches, the biggest disappointment was the small audience. The show runs through November 16 and hopefully word of mouth will build towards well deserved sellout crowds for this high quality production.

In true Monty Python humor, I must say: SPAMALOT is filled with A LOT of laughs and talent and is one SPAM you don't want to miss. www.riversidedt.com

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