“Monty Python’s Spamalot” revels in its giddy, absurd nature.
That assessment was rendered by David Perkovich, director of Theatre at the Center’s production of the buoyant musical, which runs Sept. 17 to Oct. 18 in Munster.
“Right from the get-go you know that this is basically a silly show,” Perkovich said. “It’s just a lot of fun. It is a total farce. It’s a big Broadway show.”
Inspired by the 1975 movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the stage presentation has “slapstick” elements, and offers something close to “vaudevillian” humor, according to Perkovich.
A huge hit on Broadway that snared a Best Musical Tony Award, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” spins a ribald tale of King Arthur and his knights — with myriad melodies.
“There are 22 numbers in the show,” said Perkovich, a resident of Oak Park, Ill.
Unleashed by a band and onstage performers, the tunes will flow. They include “The Song That Goes Like This.”
Larry Adams, who portrays King Arthur, cites another notable selection.
” ‘Find Your Grail’ is a great tune,” Adams said.
The music runs like a thread through an irreverent saga that features killer rabbits and flatulent Frenchmen.
Adams said his character of Arthur has “kingly” and “austere” traits.
“He’s a straight man; he sets up a lot of the jokes,” said the resident of Niles, Ill.
The humor, Adams said, is of the “dry” British variety — and then some.
“It can get bawdy and raucous,” said Adams, who has appeared in other Theatre at the Center productions.
Founded in 1991, the Indiana-based troupe presents year-round professional theater.
The “Spamalot” production gets its name from Spam — the canned, no-frills pork and ham product that the Monty Python comedy troupe used as a springboard for comic shtick decades ago.
Perkovich’s direction will play to the loud, boisterous sheen that coats “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” The director likened it to a combination of TV’s “Saturday Night Live” and British dance hall fare.
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The spinoff album of music from “Spamalot” won a Grammy Award.
Everything about “Spamalot” gives Perkovich a chance to pursue a loud course of action in the way he approaches his directorial duties.
“I want to have as much fun as possible,” said Perkovich, who guides a stellar cast.
Colette Todd, who portrays the Lady of the Lake, is a Joseph Jefferson Award winner. The award honors excellence in Chicago-area theater.
The book and lyrics for “Monty Python’s Spamalot” were created by Eric Idle, a member of the Python comedy troupe, that started in England.
Showtimes are at 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, and select Thursday and Sunday evenings, and Saturday matinees.
“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” was the troupe’s daring and surreal television series that ran in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1974.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune..
‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: Sept. 17 to Oct. 18
Tickets: $40-$44
Information: www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com or 219-836-3255