Livid Production's Presents Monty Python's Spamalot; Opening Night Review

Monty Python’s Spamalot Presented by Livid Productions

Thursday the 24th of March 2011
7:25pm Not many people when I arrive at Albury’s Entertainment Centre, a slight chill wind as the overcast sky rolls by- it will probably miss us. A few of the elderly art crowd are here, they are the most supportive members of the community theatre and come to see just about everything, but it does make me feel good. A couple of ladies recall their days of yore, with each pointing out where the stage door lies, and both recalling their dalliances. A few younger people arrive and are quick with their Python jokes…the film on which this latest show to hit Albury has been a popular one through the growing generations, and each has their own memories- seeing it in the theatre, whilst at a friend’s house, while drunk, at a theatre school. I wonder if the jokes will come off well, considering that the Python skits and the movie are so well known, is it nostalgia or would it be genuine laughs.

The program/poster combo for $2 was a good selling point, and somehow compensated for the lack of photos of the cast- but this is nothing new for Livid, who usually take the more minimalist approach, without losing the purpose of their program. Also of note was the handy salesman or was he a volunteer selling the program, who was more than willing to inform me of the specifics in the show- with about three family groupings involved in the show, hence pushing the community angle of the production, it was a good approach and I hope he continues to do that.

The stairway up the ramp led to a locked door however, it could lead to future problems, especially if the salesman previously mentioned has to continue to go over and press the button to let those who need to use the ramp in. I hope that this problem is rectified for the future shows.

The crowd hustles into the white glow of the theatre at about 7:40pm, in an otherwise dark and overcast QE2. Only the brave and I wait outside loving the juxtaposition of what the night outside seems to be heading towards, and the enlightening promise of the theatre.
We all ushered in when the wind picked up into the foyer, and discussion was ripe, an air of expectation- references to past Livid Shows, and someone having saw the show in Melbourne, others talking about friends in the show. I even caught up with some old friends, and met some of their friends, so already a positive. There were a few awkward anticipatory minutes while we waited for the clock to tick to 7:50pm, yes they were given the OK, and in we flowed.

David Todd the Director watched from the sound desk at the back of the theatre, noticing the various emotions on the people’s face. His usually stoic face had a shade of nervousness, would they like it? Would the show follow upon the success of Little Shop? He greeted a few family members of cast members, and some past members of Livid with a pleasant smile and nod, while keeping the professionally focus on the sound board.

The stage had red lighting and the castle looked foreboding, simple but effective. A few friends of the band approached them and waved and joked, wishing them well for the show, not professional, but that is not the purpose of community theatre, it is to bring together people and to show the community talent and skills from locals. It gives us a picture of the community behind Livid Productions.

The theatre was about a third full, mostly the centre section, and this caused me to be in the front row, a great place to be. I had thought that perhaps on the opening night that there should be a student rush or preview price just to get people into the show, and try to fill the theatre on the opening night, like the University theatre in Wagga does often, but I was met with the stuffy attitude of another patron who just thought that if everyone had just taken one or two people with them the theatre would be full- with no regards to others positions, oh how it would be nice to view situations with such a simplistic economic and social view.

ACT 1
From the beginning of the show it was evident that there was going to be problems with the sound system; with the announcement reverberating with microphone interference and volume needing to be adjusted quickly. I did think it a good gesture that Livid allowed the President of AWTC to do the mobile phone pre-show announcement, even with the sound problems. It was however that the sound system in the Entertainment Centre had not improved from Pirates last year.

The sound problems occurred a few more times, with the volume going too low on some of the softer voices, or during the middle of songs, thus the audience lost a little of the lyrics and jokes. Besides the sound problems it took the cast a little bit of time to ease into the show, however being opening night, they were probably still just getting out of rehearsal mode- and this is to be expected from the opening night audience.

What shone through the sound problems was the increased physicality of the show- the Livid team had taken upon the slapstick qualities of Python and the movement of a Broadway show in their stride. The dances were energetic and often times the whole stage were filled with people- sometimes they were not heard, but they were seen. The whole cast had reached their level of comfort by ‘The Knights of the Round Table’, and from then the cast started to shine.

ACT 2
The second act had some improvement with the sound; I did feel slightly cheated however that nobody on stage could be noticeably seen to whistle during ‘Always look on the Bright Side of Life’. I was seated next to friends of Fenn Dawson- a new face on the border theatre scene who did a fine job as Sir Lancelot- and they were often acting or waving trying to distract Mr Dawson, and at times from my position it was clear that he sometimes let his concentration slip, but this is nothing that a little more experience and focus could not clear, and he should be applauded for not losing character during their attempts.

Each cast member was going with the flow, and you could see their excitement, though one of the younger male members of the chorus had the same twisted expression on his face throughout the show- I was not sure if this was him keeping a character, or if he was in pain, but it was distracting. Perhaps this was also a lack of experience and he was nervous, but hopefully this will diminish after the opening night.

When the whole cast was up and going it flowed organically and the show was better for it, there were some timing issues, requiring the band and the cast to be more in time to be effective, but the audience found the miss-timing of some of these bits more funny, because we were reminded of the fact that this was a live show. Also of note should be that the whole cast did act very professional in regards to the sound problems, and kept in character and kept the show going- Steve admirably increasing his volume to accommodate on one occasion in particular.

Also there was an unexpected laugh when the audience got a preview to a visual joke before it was required, but they still went through with the scene with determination, and although a flicker of unexpected energy flashed across their faces- hinting it with a smile- the audience forgave them for it, and chuckles could be heard.

Specific Actors
The highlight of the show for me was Corey Cooper as Sir Robin, his physicality, voice and timing was great, and he took his songs and enacted them with a charm that brought the audience along with him. His face was very animated and it was obvious that he was enjoying the show and his character, and that brought us along with him.

Another performance that caught my eye was from David Keat as the Minstrel, and part of the chorus, who used his appearances to great effect getting the laughs flowing from the audience, and his physicality was engaging as well. He was unfortunately plagued with more sound problems than most, and this was a shame.
Speaking of a shame I did feel sorry for Michael Parker in his song ‘Not Dead Yet’, when he suddenly became inaudible however he kept going on, and he still managed to coax the audience to continue on with the show, and I hope that he will get the chance to bring the song to an audience.

Steve Armati was a strong presence who used good comic timing, and a firm understanding of theatrical technique, and often adapted to the different requirements needed. He was a delight during the whole Dennis sequence, and was visually enjoying his duet with Lauren Schmutter; ‘The Song that goes like this’. However during the big dances scenes it did appear as if he was thinking too hard and his actions were not quite what they could have been. I know that he will overcome this and only grow after the opening night hurdle.

Lauren Schmutter has a fine voice, and performed well in the role of the diva, Lady of the Lake, however she was probably the most hindered by the sound problems, and this was the feature that limited the effectiveness of her bits of the show. She was professional and used her tricks of the trade to improve the experience of the audience, and I know that she will only see this as something to overcome.

Fenn Dawson as Lancelot was well cast, considerably younger than the other leads, but he held his own and reminded me somewhat of the stage presence that Ben had as Seymour in Livid’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, which can only be a good thing. He had a grip over the stage and the audience, and we all delighted in Lancelot’s journey.

The Mother, Son partnership of Jason and Narelle Parker were a solid foundation for the show to build upon. As King Arthur and Patsy, the concern and connection between both actors was very strong, and carried the show during some of its slower periods. It did appear that Jason was a little less energetic when compared to his role as the Dentist in Little Shop, but this is easily explained away by the great differences in on stage time of each role, and the different character types.

Paul Hardbottle always makes himself known when he is on stage, and used his physicality and voice to great effect in his roles as Prince Herbert’s Father and the Head Knight who says Ni. It was a pleasure to see him getting back into the community theatre, and it appeared as if he enjoyed it as well.

AWTC President Joseph Thomsen was milking the laughs during his role as the French Taunter and I have to mention that he makes very good use of his face during the scene. I hope the success of AWTC Board members in this Livid Production will encourage future crossover.

Aaron Bykerk was expectantly successful in his role as Prince Herbert, and made the audience both uneasy and had laughs on the tip of their tongues. I especially love the Sondheim reference, that is more a feature of the show, but I enjoyed it and it added another layer to Herbert.

Colm Cox was a solid and effective performer and showed his maturity and professionalism in his various roles, and I once again have to tip my hat to him. I should also note Colm’s daughter was successful in her role as a keyboard player in the band, and I hope the success of the family groupings will encourage more families to get involved.
The chorus were all effective in their various roles and added much needed volume and spectacle during certain scenes, and they kept the visual jokes flowing throughout the show. The chorus had multiple costume changes and songs to remember and though not all of them got an individual moment, they are of course the necessary structure from which the show bounces off of. They should however fix the sound for them, at times I could not hear the female chorus at all, but they still sang their hearts out.

I should also mention the interaction with the band, it was a great joy to see the band becoming more involved with the show, with Bruce Cook providing some simple but effective acting from within the orchestra pit, whilst still keeping the music going. Speaking of the band, though some notes sounded a slight bit off, the music was the beating heart of the show, and the band showed their adaptability to the various musical styles featured in the show.

Also if you are in the audience stay on your toes because sometimes the actors interact with you, and one section in particular definitely made one man’s night, and gave the show a link to the community, which the whole production achieved.

So after the Gold Cup races head on down to Albury Entertainment Centre, because Monty Python, great songs, and a powerful and emotive cast and crew are willing to cheer you up from your losses, or make your racing wins seem much more fruitful. Didn’t go to the races? No matter, the show is still itching to make you smile and deliver the joys of good community theatre, and isn’t that what it is all really about? Don’t grumble, give a whistle- for Livid Production’s Spamalot.

Seen the show or in the show- leave a comment or send me a message at andrewdassher@hotmail.com

For those who don't know where to get tickets yet well here are some links for browsing;

http://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/196-event-details.asp?intEventID=1684

http://www.lividproductions.com.au/home/index.htm

or check out some of my previous posts on the subject.

Also Check out the mini interview of Director David Todd by News Weekly writer BLAIR THOMSON at http://www.awnw.com.au/a-knight-to-laugh-a-lot/

Spam update

Well hang in their folks, I am just putting the final touches on my review of Livid Productions' production of Spamalot- because I am in the library and being Gold Cup day there is only a limited amount of time...however here is something for those who need some info now;

- The show went off well considering it being opening night and assuming that this was the first time in front of a paid audience.

- There were still some technical problems, but nothing that the Entertainment Centre is not already known for, and the cast were totally professional in not letting the mishaps stop their performance- well done team!

- A few timing issues, and stage props issues, but nothing that did not work well or that the audience did not get a laugh at.

- The songs are strong and powerful, and when the whole cast is on stage it is quite engaging and entrancing.

- I am slightly disappointed I could not meet up with the cast afterwards- but most either have jobs or school the next morning- and just helps to highlight Livid's ability to draw great theatrical potential from the region- the fresh faces mixed quite well with the Livid regulars. I also did not get to catch up with the band, but well I got a free feed from some friends- free feed or wait in the cold for people who would probably have a party tonight or tomorrow- the weekend is the start of my week really.

- Book your seats- really the opportunity to engage in the hilarity of the show and the local cast is a treat, and would be a great ending for those finishing the races today. Giddy up, and head on down to the Entertainment Centre- and see a different kind of horse parade around on stage.

Looking forward to the full review.

Dale Stam

Spamalot nearly here, Spam, Spaming,

I have found that recently there has been a big increase in the number of people doing a search for Livid Production's upcoming production (redundant use of production there- that's 3) of Monty Python's Spamalot, which in itself was a stage production (4) adaptation of the film production (5)- Monty Python and the Holy Grail. However it brings in a variety of other references and songs from the Python production (6) catalogue, including the song that always gets people singing along- 'Always look on the bright side of life'.



Some of you are probably saying, I have not heard much from Dale about this production (7), and I mean it is just about here and what have you been doing with yourself Dale?! First off, calm down I have stuff to do, and second for better or worse I have heard very little about the show, they are keeping details close to their chest, but because I am awesome here are some little tidbits;



* The cast seems to be jelling together quite well, and have created a little community...- 'But that is what every community theatre production (8) creates?'- Well yes, but let me finish will

you;



- This show seems to be the cake that is starting to mend the fissure that had occurred between the two theatre groups with the cast being a mixture of both groups; and major discussions about auditions for AWTC.



Who would have thought that Monty Python would be the team to bring together two other teams, to create a production that will...'yes'...well the rest is a secret of the future.



* The sets, and the dances are set to be in line with Livid's usual theatricality.



* Laughter....I know that isn't really a secret, but hey once again close to chest.



I have kept my eyes and ears open, but Livid has decided not to use the possible marketing tool of my blog, and turned down my suggestion to do some behind the scenes of the show to build up the audience for it...but then we dear reader have to acknowledge that the majority of the readers of this blog are either already in the show, or were going to go anyway...so good financial decision, and hey the secrecy makes it more intriguing.



For those who don't know where to get tickets yet well here are some links for browsing;

http://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/196-event-details.asp?intEventID=1684

http://www.lividproductions.com.au/home/index.htm

or check out some of my previous posts on the subject.

The top one will also allow you to book in and pay for your tickets online...and are there still tickets available for the opening night- IE Tomorrow- well frankly yes...how do I know because I just purchased one, in aisle B seat 20, meaning that I am right near the stage, in the centre section, but still get the comfort of an aisle seat. I was also offered seats in the front row, centre so there is definitely seats, and good ones at that available.

For those who are sneaky or just plain awesome like me, you could even get in to see the production (I've forgotten where I am up to, 24601? Yeah that will do) 'bumping in', that is a technical term for when they bring all of their equipment from their secret lair- I mean rehearsal secret lair, and bring it to the stage, at this point the Albury Entertainment Centre, and then start to put it in, and let me just say, Livid does not disappoint, even with stage hands, and people moving stuff around, and others sitting or standing around (what, why aren't they helping- I don't know), you can still see the essence come through, as I believe Livid will to.

So stay tuned for a review!

Dale Stam