MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT : Archbishop MacDonald High School

Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.

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by Marina Shenouda

Mother Margaret Mary

The story of King Arthur dates back hundreds and hundreds of years. However, watching Archbishop MacDonald’s production of Spamalot: Youth Edition made the story feel new and fresher than ever before. 

Spamalot is a musical written by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. It is based on the 1995 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The film is a parody that pokes fun at King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Spamalot continues this mocking attitude but becomes conscious of the switch in medium. Part of this is through the additional quest that Arthur is tasked with; putting on a Broadway musical. Despite the relentless and teasing style of humor, Spamalot never let go of the heart behind it, leaving audiences with the message that the Grail is something that is found within. 

One element that made Archbishop Macdonald’s version so entertaining to watch was the involvement of the ensemble. Each ensemble member played multiple different roles and, despite this, were readily able to physicalize the emotional tone of each scene. Spencer Neil, who plays Sir Lancelot filled the stage with bold line delivery and strong vocals that were well-suited to the self-assured knight. Summer Maybank fully embodied her ironic character, brave Sir Robin, which was shown by the hesitant way she moved across the stage and the consistent fearful expression on her face. The mythical Lady of the Lake was played by April Lu who brought the character to life with graceful vocals and sharp comedic timing. Marcus Kostelecky's portrayal of Sir Galahad was witty and had the audience hooting with laughter. Lastly, leads Charlie Moran and Samantha Rosario as King Arthur and Patsy respectively, had incredible chemistry on stage. The way they were able to play off of one kept the narrative lively and flowing. 

The sound of the production was animated and striking, largely due to the live band that was mostly made up of students and alumni. Costuming for this production is a huge feat due to the dual timeline and quirkiness of the show, but Archbishop Macdonald’s costuming team skillfully tackled the challenge. The costumes were accurate to the time and many ensemble members had multiple costumes for each different song which was incredibly impressive. The scaffolded gates and walls had a variety of clever uses throughout the show such as towers, entrances, and trees. Props were creatively used and created as well, notables include the Excalibur blade, Holy Hand Grenade, and wooden Trojan Bunny. The technical aspects of this show unquestionably helped bring the narrative to life. 

All in all, Archbishop Macdonald’s performance of Spamalot: Youth Edition was a hysterical show that was filled with creativity and wit. It is clear that the show was an intense labour of love and the cast and crew should be incredibly proud.

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by Kornelia Teresinska

St. Oscar Romero

If you weren’t laughing during Spamalot, you probably weren’t paying attention. From the very first note of the phenomenal live orchestra to the chaotic final moments, this show was an absolute blast. And the best part? It was mostly student-led, which made it even more impressive. You could feel the passion and energy pouring off the stage, and it was clear that every single person involved was having the time of their life. 

Originally written by Eric Idle and premiering in 2005, Spamalot is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The story follows King Arthur and his band of knights as they embark on a ridiculous quest for the Holy Grail. Along the way, they encounter killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen, and strange knights, all while breaking into over-the-top musical numbers. With its self-aware humor, absurd plot twists, and countless fourth wall breaks, Spamalot doesn’t just parody the Arthurian legend, it completely dismantles it in the most hilarious way possible. 

Charlie Moran as King Arthur? Incredible. His delivery was spot-on, every joke hit perfectly, and his facial expressions alone could have carried the entire show. Whether he was being overly dramatic or reacting to the ridiculousness around him, he completely owned the stage and had the audience cracking up the whole time. And Marcus Kostelecky as Sir Galahad? Pure comedic gold. His ability to bring humor into every scene was unmatched, from his exaggerated reactions to his impeccable timing. Whether he was dramatically flipping his hair or completely leaning into the absurdity of his character, he was an absolute highlight and had the audience in laughter. 

And the dancing? Wow. Every number was packed with energy, and you could tell how much fun the cast was having. There wasn’t a dull moment. The enthusiasm was so contagious that it was impossible not to smile while watching. 

What made this Spamalot extra special was how it wasn’t just a copy-paste of the original musical, the cast and crew made it their own. They rewrote one of the songs, and it was fantastic. It fit so well with the rest of the show, and honestly, it made the performance even funnier. Plus, the pop culture references sprinkled throughout? Every time one popped up, you could hear the audience react, whether it was laughter or a knowing cheer. It made the show feel fresh, modern, and totally unique. 

And of course, the cast fully embraced the comedy of Spamalot. They broke the fourth wall constantly, interacted with the audience, and leaned into every ridiculous moment. Those unexpected touches made the whole experience feel even more alive and unpredictable. Overall, Spamalot was unforgettable.The live orchestra was incredible, the performances were hilarious, and the whole production was bursting with energy. It wasn’t just a show, it was an experience, and one that left the audience laughing long after the final bow.

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by Sydney Boisvert

Louis St. Laurent

Archbishop MacDonald High School’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot was a comedic, vibrant, and entertaining experience. Spamalot, a musical comedy based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest to find their own Holy Grail. The show is filled with absurd humor, memorable characters, and catchy songs, all of which Archbishop MacDonald executed wonderfully. 

The production featured a strong ensemble of actors who were fully committed to their roles and delivered their lines with excellent comedic timing. King Arthur, played by Charlie Moran, and Patsy, played by Samantha Rosario, made an outstanding duo. Their interactions, especially during the song “I’m All Alone,” showcased a remarkable contrast between comedy and sincerity, which endeared them to the audience. Another standout performer was Spencer Neil, who portrayed Sir Lancelot with charm and wit. Neil demonstrated a deep understanding of his character, significantly enhancing the show’s impact. Additionally, April Lu graced the stage as the Lady of the Lake, donning various beautiful costumes and showcasing a wonderful voice that captivated the audience as much as it did King Arthur. Overall, all the actors displayed dedication, reflecting the hard work they had invested. 

Archbishop MacDonald faced challenges when staging the show for the first time, leading them to construct a set piece in just one day. However, their efforts paid off, as the set was meticulously painted and served as an eye-catching backdrop throughout the performance. The production creatively used varying levels of height; having the knights positioned higher in the castle added an element of intimidation and made King Arthur appear weaker and smaller. This contrast added a fun dynamic to the show and was executed flawlessly. The various costumes added a visual element that greatly impacted the audience's experience. Abi Evangelista and Zenia Pereira, who worked on the Ni Knight costumes, did an outstanding job of creating costumes that captured the essence of forest-dwelling beings, adding a sense of fantasy to the production. Additionally, the various musical numbers were well-staged and performed. Madison Manning was a standout dancer, performing with high energy and emotion, effectively drawing the audience’s attention during songs like “Laker Girls,” “His Name is Lancelot,” and “Knights of the Round Table.” 

In conclusion, Archbishop MacDonald’s Spamalot was a fun, entertaining, and impressive high school production. The cast’s enthusiasm and commitment to their roles brought the absurdity of Monty Python’s work to life on stage. The creative set, combined with standout performances, made for an enjoyable and memorable experience. It’s clear that the students involved in this production put in a significant amount of effort, and their hard work was a delight to witness.

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by Patrycja Blicharz

Louis St. Laurent

What happens in Spamalot stays in Spamalot! Well… usually. But Archbishop MacDonald’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot deserves all the praise it can get. With effortless comedy, riveting dance numbers, and an abundance of musical talent, not to mention the lovely set and lighting designs, Archbishop MacDonald was able to tell a story that captured audiences from the very first minute and had them laughing out loud by the end. 

Monty Python’s Spamalot, created by Eric Idle, is a musical parody based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Taking place in medieval England, it is a comedic retelling of the tale of King Arthur and his quest to find the Holy Grail, however, it does deviate from the original story. With unexpected twists of romance, drama, and modern comedy, this musical parody does an excellent job of keeping audiences on their toes and teaching them to expect the unexpected. Archbishop MacDonald’s directors, Fiona Williams and Marika Nychka, tackled this musical perfectly, as tough as it may have been. With their expertise, as well as the talented cast and crew, they were able to put on a truly hilarious show for diverse audiences. 

Of course, this show would not have been possible without the efforts of the amazing actors. Attending rehearsals almost daily since September is no easy undertaking, and their hard work really paid off. The multi-talented ensemble captivated the crowd whenever they were on stage, most especially in their dance numbers. From tap to cheer, they showed audiences that they can do it all. One member in particular, Julia Fleming, had a strong presence and a warm smile every time they were on stage. In addition, Samantha Rosario playing the role of Patsy, captured us all with their sweet characterization and emotional complexity, accompanied by their soft, angelic singing voice. Nevertheless, all the actors did a beautiful job of bringing their characters and the show to life. 

In addition, Archbishop MacDonald’s production had brilliant tech and backstage teams. From jaw-dropping costumes to beautiful lighting designs, they clearly outdid themselves with this production. The expertly designed set and the utilization of space on stage really helped to create an atmosphere of inclusion and involvement throughout the show. And who can forget the live orchestra, playing all the music live from under the stage. Not only did they sound angelic, the live music also allowed actors to take creative liberties with their performance which overall made it more enjoyable to see. The efforts of the tech and backstage crews, as well as the orchestra, did not go unnoticed. Overall, they did an incredible job and the show could not have gone on without them. 

It is safe to say that Archbishop MacDonald’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot was a great success. With impeccable dancing, acting, and singing, as well as the astounding costumes, set, and lighting from the backstage and tech crews, Archbishop MacDonald told a hilarious story that left us in awe, with heavy hearts, and full of endless laughter.

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Lulu Finol

Mother Margaret Mary

Find Your Grail With MAC’s Spamalot! 

It’s not every day that you get to watch knights singing and dancing, but Archbishop Macdonald’s recent musical adventure, Spamalot, brings this chaotic energy tenfold to the stage. Mac’s version of Monty Python’s kooky classic victoriously manages to have its audience erupting in laughter; flawlessly maintaining the charm of the original stage show. The spectacle has got it all: cartoony gags, fun costumes, and catchy tunes (played by a live orchestra!) that will be sure to make you look on the bright side of life. 

For those unfamiliar with the Tony and Grammy-winning medieval musical, Spamalot is based off of the 1975 slapstick comedy film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. The story takes place in 932 A.D England with the eccentric yet unpopular King Arthur as its ruler. He’s accompanied by his trusty sidekick Patsy and aims to recruit Knights of the Round Table. With the help of the Lady Of The Lake, who gave Arthur his sword, Sir Galahad is recruited and joins the other knights: the fearful Robin, violent Lancelot, and airheaded Sir Bedevere. After a fun night in Vegas-style Camelot, God calls out to the group from the heavens with a mission. He asks that they locate the Holy Grail, and the knights promptly set off on their adventure! 

The show was not only marvelled with every technical aspect, but featured astonishingly hilarious performances from the cast. Charlie Moran made for a spectacular King Arthur with his precise comedic timing and down-to-earth charm; with Samantha Rosario (who plays Patsy) adorably stealing the hearts of the viewers right alongside him. The enchanting voice of April Lu served her character, the Lady of the Lake, to perfection as her singing always wowed the audience. Additionally, the ensemble in this production was purely excellent: charming, energetic, and great dancers! Standouts include DJ Delena (who plays Prince Herbert) and Aaron Dhillion (who plays The Black Knight). Both managed to steal their respective scenes with their line delivery and comedic moments; especially The Black Knight’s amputated limbs! 

When it comes to the use of props in this show, they were consistently imaginative and bountiful. Because of their simple, and multi-layered set, there wasn’t a scene without a prop being used to enhance the atmosphere and comedy. In turn, props like the signs spelling out Camelot and the hand-painted umbrellas left lasting impressions. Adding to the list of successful technical elements, the Mac crew used the screen in creative ways, whether it was projecting an image of God or expanding the canvas for the lighting. Speaking of which, the lightning, rainbow, and French flag effects created by the lighting were highlights of the show. 

Overall, Archbishop Macdonald stunned its audience with Spamalot’s excellent comedy, colourful lights, and visionary set. The perfectly-casted actors and hard-working crew came together to create a masterful and memorable show that is sure to make anyone in the audience a fan of Spamalot.

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