The Wetumpka Depot Players were all set for Spamalot in the summer of 2020.
They had done the homework, gotten the rights to put the show on a Wetumpka stage and had it scheduled.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a shutdown of all events, including Spamalot. Three years later and rehearsals are almost finished as the first performance is Feb. 15.
“We are extremely happy to get back to Spamalot,” Wetumpka Depot Players artistic director Kristy Meanor said. “It was touring and playing on Broadway. We are so fortunate to have the rights again.”
Spamalot has been on Meanor’s mind for years to bring to Wetumpka.
“It is such a crowd pleaser. It is such a fun show,” Meanor said. “It was devastating when we lost it and had to wait.”
The show has drawn the attention of local actors all wanting a spot in the production. Meanor said the pandemic was a blessing in disguise for Spamalot at the Wetumpka Depot.
“It is well worth it because the most amazing cast lined up for it,” Meanor said. “I had so many people audition for it I could have cast two or three different ways. We are so lucky to have the moon and the stars line up for this one.”
Meanor said audiences will love the comedy of Spamalot.
Spamalot is taken from the cult-favorite comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It is a parody of the King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table legend by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.
“Even if someone doesn’t like the Monty Python movies, everyone will still love it,” Meanor said. “It makes for a fun night at the Depot.”
Spamalot features the infamous Laker Girls, dancing divas, a killer rabbit, catapulting cows and a legless knight. It has been honored with dozens of awards, including the Grammy for Best Original Cast Recording and three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The Depot Players cast in the production are Adrian Lee Bush as The Lady of the Lake, David Rowland as Patsy and Scott Page as King Arthur. Knights of the Round Table are Gage Leifried, Tim Griggs, Jay Russell and Seth Maggard who are accompanied by an ensemble of 15 singers, dancers and actors.
Spamalot is directed by Meanor. The creative team includes musical director Randy Foster, stage manager Hannah Meherg, choreographer Daniel Harms, set designer Charles Eddie Moncrief, lighting designer Thomas Rodman, music technician Jerry Parker and costume designer Suzanne Booth.
Spamalot will be on stage at The Depot for 10 shows beginning Feb. 15.
