SHREWSBURY – Are you looking for a laugh?
On Aug. 5-6 and 12-13, the Square One Players will be performing “Spamalot” at Southgate’s Flanagan Theater in Shrewsbury.
The group encourages everyone to attend.
Inspired by the classic comedy film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” Spamalot features lines of beautiful dancing girls, flatulent Frenchmen and killer rabbits. As King Arthur searches for the holy grail, he meets several characters you’ll need to see to believe.
Patrons will be close to the action. The roughly 150-seat Flanagan Theater creates an intimate atmosphere that only accentuates the performance.
“This place has limitations. It’s a small stage and a small backstage,” said Joanne Smith, who is one of three people who own and operate Square One Players. “Spamalot is a very large undertaking for us, but we accept the challenge.”
Full circle
The production features a 15-person cast, intricate costumes and countless elaborate props.
Many of the cast members performed Spamalot together in 2016.
“It’s such a fun and energizing environment to come in and just be able to create with so many different brilliant people in the area,” said James Lamoureux, a veteran of both performances who will be playing Sir Lancelot in this production.
The 2016 Spamalot performance was more than just another show for Lamoureux. It was where he met his future wife, Square One Players co-owner and co-operator Tara Lamoureux. Tara Lamoureux is the stage manager for this production.
The show marks the couple’s first performance since getting married last October. Naturally, they wanted to come “full circle” and reprise the production that brought them together: Spamalot.
“I mean I’ve been asking them for years,” Tara Lamoureux said. “We had the most auditions we’ve ever had before, which was amazing… and we couldn’t have timed it any better.”
“[James and Tara were] the main motivation behind doing Spamalot. It’s very near and dear to both [their] hearts,” Smith said.
In addition to James and Tara Lamoureux, Gary Swanson, April Swanson, Isaac Swanson, Kait Eckstrom-Doig, Nick Doig, and Kevin McGerigle are among the many 2016 performers, producers and directors who are involved this time around.
“It’s amazing how theater is small,” Smith said. “Everybody knows everybody. You make a lot of friends, and then they know people, and then they know people, and eventually you get to know a very large community of people.”
While the production is to some extent a family-and-friends affair, there are several new faces in the cast. Smith said she “loves the combination” of new and old the group has achieved.
So, what can you expect at Spamalot?
“[Come] out and [have] a light, fun night where you can sit back, relax and have fun. It’s a show for that,” Tara Lamoureux said.
“If you’re looking for two hours of nonstop laughter, silliness, and fun – lots of singing, lots of dancing – this is it. Spamalot is it. It’s nonsensical, but it’s fun. Please come join us; we love putting it on, and we’d love to have you come and join us,” Smith added.
To get tickets and more information on this production of Spamalot, visit www.squareoneplayers.com or call (508) 669-7750.
Tickets for the performance are $20 for general admission and $17 for students and seniors.
