MANSFIELD — Beau Roberts didn’t care what role he got when he auditioned for the Renaissance Theatre’s latest show.
He just wanted to be in Spamalot.
“I’ve seen a lot of musicals, I have been in a fair amount also. This is by far the most entertaining, the most fun to watch as an audience member,” he said. “This is a musical for people who don’t like musicals.
“This show reminds me of a Looney Tunes episode.”
Roberts leads the cast in The Ren’s first-ever production of Spamalot, which premieres on Saturday. Lovingly ripped off from the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” the show tells the story of King Arthur and his knights of the round table.
The retelling of a traditional tale combines classic Broadway elements with the silly, surreal humor of the famous British comedy troupe. The unforgettable story is filled with flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers.
“I think that a lot of people will remember the scenes that are in the show from the movie, but there’s also a lot of great additions,” director Ryan Shealy said.
“It has the best parts of the movie, but it also makes fun of Broadway and makes fun of itself at times.”
Musical director Kelly Knowlton said the music — which ranges in style from medieval minstrel songs to disco — will keep audiences on their toes.
“Because it draws from a lot of Broadway tropes in a loving and humorous way, you get a lot of variety,” said Kelly Knowlton, the show’s musical director. “There’s a little bit of everything in there.
“When a number starts, you kind of never know where you’re going to end up.”
Maddie Penwell plays the Lady of the Lake, a mystical figure that guides King Arthur and the knights on their quest.
She said being part of the show brings back memories of the cult classic.
“I watched it at a sleepover when I was in high school and thought it was just the funniest thing,” Maddie recalled. “It’s very nostalgic for me to be a part of it.”
Her husband Colton, who plays Sir Lancelot, agreed.
“These were the these are the characters I gravitated towards when I saw this when I was 12 or 13,” he said. “I can’t wait for Saturday.”
Colton said the constant slapstick is sure to appeal to Monty Python fans as well as those less familiar with the group.
“If you’re a diehard Monty Python fan, you’re not going to be disappointed,” he said. “If you’re not a Monty Python fan or you don’t know it well, you’re still going to have a great time.”
Show times include March 5 and 12 at 8 p.m. and March 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m. Guests are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, but a mask requirement remains in place for audience members.
General admission tickets start at $15; student rush tickets are $10. Tickets are available for sale at the box office or online on the theater’s website.
