Thursday, April 4, 2013

Five Things I Learned From Spamalot




I have to tell you guys I have this thing for Monty Python. I don't know why...if I think about it, it really isn't that funny. Well, even when I think about it, Fawlty Towers is freaking awesome. But the Holy Grail is one of my favorite movies of all time. And when I found out that NTC was doing Spamalot and that Jennifer was directing it, I sort of secured my spot as stage manager a bit early...like a year ago...while we were doing Dangerous Liaisons.

It was a challenging show. Partially because we'd done back to back shows for six months and I was tired, partly because we were rehearsing five days a week almost from the start...and because every show is a challenging show. But it will definitely go down in the books as one of my favorites.

Here is one of the things that I love about Spamalot...the songs are all pretty silly, and yet they are great music. I mean "Diva's Lament"! Chick has to have a dynamite voice (and Allison did!). And, if you really think about it, Spamalot can be educational.

Don't believe me? I'll prove it. Five things I learned from Spamalot (with some rehearsal shots and videos for the less fortunate that don't know the show)

#1 Use what you got.
SOLDIER #1:
What? Ridden on a horse?
ARTHUR:
Yes!
SOLDIER #1:
You're using coconuts!
ARTHUR:
What?
SOLDIER #1:
You've got two empty halves of coconut and you're bangin' 'em together.















Sure, we'd all like to have a horse. But what do you do if you don't have one? Mope? Refuse to go on the quest? Hide in your castle? NO! You find two halves of a coconut (possibly once carried by an African swallow) and you bang them together! It works even better if you have man servant like Patsy or Concorde to do it for you. Then you can pretend to hold on to the reins!

All I'm saying is, be happy with what you have! Or be inventive!

#2 You Aren't Dead Yet















Life is hard. You are feeling beaten. Either you've given up on yourself or others around you have given up on you. But you aren't dead. You're getting better. Dust yourself off. Get out there and dance! Seriously, don't let them put you on the cart! You can do this!
















#3 Find Your Grail















Everyone has that something they are looking for...a cup, musical theatre or the perfect mate. Figure out what your passion is, what makes you tick...and go after it! And-if you can-bring along a few friends.
















#4 Run Away!
Sometimes, running away is the best option. Especially if someone is hurling cattle at you. It's okay to get away from bad situations, toxic people, unhealthy relationships...or can can dancers.
















#5 What you're looking for might be right under your feet...or bum.
Not to give anything away...if you've seen it, you know. If you didn't...well, shame on you. But so many times what we are looking for is right in front of us. We need to pay attention and open ourselves up to the possibilities. Look right beyond the Fourth Wall as it were.
















So there ya' go. Life lessons from one of the most fun musicals of all times. And yes, I know I left some out, so feel free to share. Always look on the bright side of life? Make friends with Jews (so you can succeed on Broadway)? Be free to be yourself (AKA His Name Is Lancelot)
















Or...make sure your son doesn't point his camera at you while you're singing along.
















Next up for the Battles' theatre repertoire: Alice In Wonderland with the Henry Players! Auditions are April 15th and 16th. Visit the Henry Players website for info!






4 comments:

  1. #6 that robin Guy had a great British accent.

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  2. #7 Nod your head and agree (can't think of a song that connects to...but it's the best way to deal with actors LOL)

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  3. #7 - contrary to Wizard of Oz, you really SHOULD pay attention to the person behind the curtain. Stage managers and stage and tech crew rock.

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  4. Don't forget the rocking pit! Glitter Sisters forever! Love you guys!

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