Knights, newts, witches and coconuts — only in the "surreal" world of Monty Python and the Holy Grail can these objects spark an endless stream of nonsensical chuckles.
The Monty Python-based musical "Spamalot," 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, will make a stop at 7:30 p.m. tonight at John R. Emens Auditorium en route to completing an expansive tour of the United States.
Ball State alumnus and cast member Michael Warrell plays roles including a knight, a French guard and a minstrel. Warrell earned a bachelor's degree in musical theater in 2009.
He said he is relishing the opportunity to visit cities across the country while on tour.
"It's been a very busy schedule. We've been doing one, two and three nighters since the beginning of the tour," Warrell said. "We've been to Canada three times. It's such a heavy schedule, but it's been such an awesomely rewarding schedule".
According to the Emens website, the musical follows King Arthur and his knights as they embark on their quest, which includes flying cows, killer rabbits and taunting Frenchmen.
Prior to getting the role in "Spamalot," Warrell already had exposure to the 1975 movie comedy "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."
"Even then, I found it funny, as an eight-year-old kid," Warrell said. "I think it's humor for every man."
Having a plot based on the movie, "Spamalot" uses similar production tactics, as well as humor derived from the movie.
"‘Spamalot' is based off of Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail, which was a very iconic movie. If you've ever seen it, it's very low budget, very funny. Just kind of based on improv. All these same guys play all these same roles throughout the movie," Warrell said. "The musical itself is very similar to that in the way that many of the principals play several different roles in the show. "
Bill Jenkins, associate professor and chairman of the Department of Theatre and Dance, said he enjoyed the production when he saw it in New York.
"I think it is very special for everyone who is a fan of Monty Python," Jenkins said. Jenkins also taught Warrell in classes during his time at Ball State, even featuring Warrell in his production of "Cabaret."
"Michael Warrell is a really hard-working, talented young man," Jenkins said.
Emens Auditorium's Event Program and Scheduling Committee chose to host "Spamalot" due to its award-winning success, as well as its comedic spin on the typical theater experience.
"We wanted to include comedy in our season; Monty Python material clearly meets this programmatic objective," Robert Myers, director of Emens Auditorium and Pruis Hall, said. "Those that have seen the movie will undoubtedly recall some of the famous scenarios reinvented live on stage."
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