By: JAMES CLAIBORNE
Staff Writer
STLCC Meramec is hosting its final theatrical production of the semester, “Spamalot,” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18-20 and 2 p.m. Nov. 21.
The musical was produced entirely by students, staff, faculty and alumni.
The musical, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is directed by Meramec Communications Professor Keith Oliver. The set design is by sync designer Rick Willmore, the musical direction is by Dr. Jerry Myers and his assistant Katie Robinson, and the stage manager is Brook Barnett.
The production is based off the group and the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, said Oliver.
“I’ve enjoyed Monty Python for years,” Oliver said.
The play is about King Arthur who gathers up a couple of men whose intentions are to transition them into knights, said Kurt Knoedelseder, who plays the role of King Arthur.
This way, the characters can search for the Holy Grail throughout the quest, he said.
“It’s a very funny play, Knoedelseder said. “I think in real life King Arthur wasn’t as silly and funny as he is portrayed here, but it is a chance to go over the top with a portrayal.”
The Lady of the Lake, or the diva of the play, lives in the lake and is played by Brenda Bass, who attends Lindenwood University in Belleville Ill.
“She really is a huge diva,” Bass said. “It was my No. 1 dream role because her vocals are fun.”
Josh Wolk plays the knight, Sir Lancelot. Sir Robin is played by Chaz Fox. Michael Flemmings, who works on campus as a housekeeper, plays the Killer Rabbit.
“It was a privilege for me to have the opportunity for the campus to have me in the production,” Flemmings said.“It’s been really inspiring to work with these highly gifted, energetic and upbeat minded individuals.”
The stage design consists of a forest background and a wooden rabbit. The lighting set up is by Robert Brooks.
The second dress rehearsal was performed in front of 500 high school students who were able to view the production before it debuted.
The production included a student who was brought on stage to help the knights locate the Holy Grail during the performance.
