WB_071819

wilmettebeacon.com LIFE & ARTS
the wilmette beacon | July 18, 2019 | 39
Posted to WilmetteBeaconDaily.com 3 days ago
‘Spamalot’ promises hilarious experience for all ages
Alexa Burnell
Freelance Reporter
The Wilmette Park District
Center for the Arts
presents “Spamalot,” playing
outdoors at the picturesque
Wallace Bowl from
July 18 through Aug. 3.
The lively, musical comedy
adapted from the 1975
classic, “Monty Python and
the Holy Grail,” tells the
misadventures of a group
of misfits seeking the fame
and stardom of Broadway.
Alison Dornheggen,
Center for the Arts artistic
director, explained that
while “Spamalot” has a
reputation for being bawdy
and slightly inappropriate,
the Park District’s version
is squeaky clean enough
for audience-goers of all
ages to enjoy.
“When presenting a program
at the Wallace Bowl,
we take into account the
voluntary and involuntary
audience. You never know
who is passing by and
sound does carry, so we are
not hosting a show full of
profanities or insensitive
remarks. Instead, we have
tailored the production to
embrace the comedy and
silliness that makes ‘Spamalot’
so popular,” Dornheggen
said. “Our shows,
particularly at the Wallace
Bowl, are meant for the entire
family to enjoy. Personally,
I think kids will get a
kick out of watching adults
be completely ridiculous
and will find many of the
jokes to be hilarious.”
When selecting a production
for the Wallace Bowl,
Dorheggen takes into consideration
many factors.
Last year, for example, she
chose “Footloose,” reporting
record ticket sales. The
positive feedback helped
Dornheggen decide that
contemporary programming
is a perfect fit for the
Wallace Bowl.
“Similar to ‘Footloose’
last year, ‘Spamalot’ is
more of a modern day production.
Basically, it was
created to appeal to the
masses. It pokes fun at all
the hot musicals, which
means the audience gets
to hear an array of magical
songs. Even if you aren’t
a traditional Python Headhead,
there is so much to
enjoy. From the music
to the absurdity, there is
something that will appeal
to various audience members,”
Dorhneggen said.
“Best of all, ‘Spamalot’
doesn’t take itself too seriously
— a great production
to compliment the more
laid-back lifestyle of summer
living.”
Director Heather Currie
does define herself as an
official PythonHead, having
developed a love for
all things Monty Python
from her father. To her, the
comedy and details woven
into the plot, is what makes
“Spamalot” truly unique.
“Similar to ‘Shrek: The
Musical,’ ‘Spamalot’ has
a depth to the storyline.
There are layers of comedy
that appeal to various
people and various personalities.
There is truly something
for everyone embedded
in the tale. Best of all,
this show is not serious.
It’s a rollicking good time;
who doesn’t love that in the
summer,” Currie said.
Musical Director Paul
Scavonem explains that the
challenge of producing a
show outdoors comes with
some eye-opening lessons.
“First of all, the Wallace
Bowl is simply a beautiful
setting and a perfect fit for
‘Spamalot.’ That said, an
outdoor production comes
with challenges. We must
take into consideration
the various elements, balancing
the sound with the
wind, cars honking, passerbys
and more. It tests us
all, but in a good way. Everyone
I am working with
is ready to roll with the
punches; we’ve all learned
to be flexible and adapt to
what Mother Nature gives
us,” Scavone said.
“Spamalot” runs at 8
p.m. on Thursday, July 18,
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For ticket information,
visit http://www.wilmettepark.org/sounds-of-summer
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The Knights of Ni (left to right) Carli Uphill, Eddie Gray and Kate Mosesso perform
during “Spamalot” at the Wallace Bowl in Wilmette. Photo submitted
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