Book and lyrics were by original Python member Eric Idle, music by Idle and John Du Prez. Barnstormers artistic director Bob Shea directed this production. Bret Silverman was the musical director and Taylor Shubert the choreographer. Costume designer Mary Selvoski did an impressive job designing the costumes for the large cast, multiplied by the many costume changes. Set designer Sarah Rozene did nice work on the medieval set.
I won't attempt to credit the entire cast here, there were too many. But Al Bundonis, tall and imposing, had the physical attributes and strong voice for a great, if often befuddled, King Arthur. Ryan Malyar was Arthur's constant companion, carrying a huge backpack and imitating the hoofbeats of Arthur's non-existent horse with coconut shells. Cheryl Mullings with her powerful voice was terrific as the Lady of the Lake. Doug Shapiro was a bit under-used in my opinion. One of the funniest men in New Hampshire theater, he could have been given a meatier role.
It helped if you were familiar with the group's off-beat style, as it appeared most of the nearly full-house audience was, judging from their reactions. I happen to be an unabashed Python fan, have been for years, but I'm well aware they're not everyone's cup of tea. So if Python humor tickles you more than it repulses you, you'd love this play. Even if you're not a fan, the show has some great song and dance numbers. This was a first-night performance, indeed the Barnstormers' first show of their season, and the entire production was perfection.
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