Monty Python's Spamalot
at San Clemente

Reviewed on April 12, 2018

Ben Sellers
Mission Viejo
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

San Clemente's "Spamalot" is Spam-tastic
written by Ben Sellers, a senior at Mission Viejo High School

San Clemente High School's hilarious production of Monty Python's "Spamalot" is a goofy yet well-tempered production that explores finding who you are and what you love.

King Arthur, alongside his coconut-wielding jockey boy Patsy, are on a search across England to find knights to join his Round Table. As Sir Galahad, Bedevere, Robin, and Lancelot enlist, they are given a divine quest by God himself to find the Holy Grail. Hilarity ensues as the incompetent cavaliers traverse the land in search of the grail within themselves.

With his chin held high, Will Brown as King Arthur is the regal and raunchy ruler of his Round Table. His expressive reactions to the shenanigans around him make them all the more funnier, and his strong baritone voice shines in "I'm All Alone". His optimistic sidekick, Patsy (Lainey Reyland), charms the audience with a lower-class Cockney accent and everlasting support for her master and friend.

Braxton McGrath as Sir Lancelot is a comedic force to be reckoned with, as his overly violent tendencies tend to get him in trouble. When his attempt to save a damsel in distress turns into a hostage rescue for the flamboyant Prince Herbert (Cole Conklin), the unlikely couple becomes a crowd favorite through their well-paced delivery and dancing in "His Name Is Lancelot."

Quite the opposite of Sir Lancelot is the cowardly Sir Robin (Justin McCoy). His passions for "the theatre" are shown through his effortless dancing and ability to lead huge numbers like "You Won't Succeed on Broadway."

The ensemble is truly what makes this show what it is, with every part radiating energy and confidence. From French Taunters to the Knights Who Say "Ni" to the Laker Girls, the whole cast makes each other look good and have a big smile on their face.

The prop design by Leila Kennedy and Emily Colson is particularly impressive, with each sword, coconut, and killer bunny being very distinct and vibrant. The lighting, designed by Addy Awtry, effectively accentuates the comedy, such as in ‘I'm All Alone" where the spotlight gets increasingly smaller on King Arthur.

"Spamalot" at San Clemente High School is wonderful production that hysterically retells the age-old story through brilliant comedic acting and enjoyable technical elements.

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

San Clemente Finds Its Grail with Spamalot
written by Elena Plumb, a junior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Menacing rabbits, cowardly knights, and ladies dwelling in lakes– just another day in the kingdom of Camelot!

A slapstick parody of the classic Arthurian tale, Monty Python's Spamalot follows King Arthur and his dysfunctional clan of knights on their quest for the Holy Grail. Filled with infectious energy, humorous social commentary, and breaking of the fourth wall, SCHS presents a sidesplitting performance that pushes the boundaries yet skillfully avoids crossing the line.

Will Brown brilliantly portrays King Arthur, ruler of Camelot thanks to his possession of the legendary sword Excalibur. With a pompous stride and regal posture, Brown embodies the majesty of a king parading on his noble steed. That "noble steed," however, is his faithful companion Patsy (Lainey Reyland), following him clanking two halves of a coconut together to mimic the sound of a galloping horse.

Accompanying King Arthur on his quest are the newly-appointed Knights of the Round Table. Braxton McGrath shines as the bold and impulsive Sir Lancelot, impetuously turning to violence in the face of conflict. Later in the production, he displays his character's more fun-loving side, flamboyantly dancing to disco number "His Name is Lancelot."

Carlie McCleary commands the stage as the Lady of the Lake with her diva-like gestures and sassy saunter. McClearly showcases her impressive range with showstopper "The Diva's Lament."

Cole Conklin (Prince Herbert) induces uproarious laughter as an ironic version of the damsel in distress. Conklin belts the ballad "Where Are You" from the balcony of his tower with a hilarious falsetto and effeminate movements, longing to be rescued by his knight in shining armor.

Lighting by Addy Awtry, Luis Diaz, Matt Condon, and Liz Giacchetti reflects the mood of each scene, employing glowing green lights and eerie shadows in the midst of the ominous forest, and colorful, flashing lights in the center of vegas-like Camelot.

Chloe Schweer, Bella Charley, Mackenzie Torres, and Kyle Roland's costuming not only exhibits medieval style, but also distinguishes character class. Peasant-turned-knight Galahad (Zach Thomas) sports drab, tattered garments, while King Arthur struts in golden robes and a shining crown. The costume team also captures the vibrant essence of the musical by use of blue-green costumes for the "Laker Girls" and glitzy feather dresses for the Camelot showgirls.

Hilarious, high-spirited, and clever, San Clemente's dedicated cast and crew deliver a unique production that brings this timeless legend to life.

Rachel Golkin
Mission Viejo
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

San Clemente looks on the bright side in ‘Spamalot'
written by Rachel Golkin, a junior at Mission Viejo High School

In their uproarious production of "Monty Python's Spamalot", San Clemente High School encourages the audience to leave their troubles behind and give in to the hilarious absurdity and nonsensical antics of a simpler time.

Straying quite a bit from the original legend, the jocose adventures of King Arthur on his quest for the Holy Grail are a reminder that it's not the destination but the journey that counts.

Will Brown perfectly encapsulates the show's dry and endearingly nonsensical humor as King Arthur. While he sings "I'm All Alone", genuinely troubled by what he considers to be his complete solitude, his concerned expression remains unfazed as the entire cast slowly surrounds him, attempting to capture his attention.

Bumbling and beaming, Lainey Reyland is constantly at Brown's side as Patsy, Arthur's lovable and loyal servant. Her strapping voice booms through the theater as she lifts Brown's spirits with a contagious smile and a bit of advice in "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life".

Cole Conklin's portrayal of Prince Herbert is absolutely hysterical. His subtle authenticity and gleefully effeminate voice emphasize Herbert's absurdity as he professes his love for Sir Lancelot (Braxton McGrath). In "His Name is Lancelot", McGrath's charming and carefree smile lights up the stage as he embraces the song's shenanigans, finally finding his own grail.

The ensemble's extraordinary energy brings the production's ludicrousy to life. They demonstrate impressive consistency in keeping up with the zaniness of a show that requires them to be new characters in every song. Whether they're energetic, bubbly cheerleaders in "Laker Girls Chant", glamorous showgirls in "Knights of the Round Table", or dancing Finnish couples in "Fisch Schlapping Song", they always display an incredible amount of commitment.

Extravagant and intricate costumes by Chloe Schweer and the costume crew allow each preposterous number to take place in its own little world. In the "Laker Girls Chant", the ensemble emerges from the lake in shimmery turquoise outfits, only to become a sea of red sequins and feathers a couple minutes later when they greet the knights in Camelot as glitzy vegas show girls during "Knights of the Round Table".

San Clemente High School reminds their audience that, with a little suspension of disbelief, they can laugh their troubles away and join the world of "Spamalot", where it's always easy to see the bright side of life.