What's harder than putting on a musical at a middle school? Putting on a musical at a middle school during a global pandemic.
Putting a musical together is a monumental task. Learning choreography, blocking, lines, and music takes focus and discipline, two things middle school students aren't known for having an abundance of. Costumes, props, set pieces, lighting, sound, microphones, makeup ...it's an incredible undertaking, even in the best of times. In the midst of a pandemic, it’s nearly impossible.
However, after a three year musical theatre drought here at Union, we decided we'd had enough negativity and heaviness. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Middle School kids, it’s that the most potent remedy to too much seriousness is silliness. Remembering that some of the best curators of timeless silliness exist enshrined in the classic craziness of Monty Python, we decided the best way to get back on stage was to produce the Broadway spectacular, Spamalot!
This show has allowed us all to play, be silly, and indulge in the nostalgia of these iconic characters that the Pythons created nearly 50 years ago when the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail was first released. We are so excited to share our work with you, and hopefully remind you, “we are not yet dead" and that ...
If life seems jolly rotten,
There's something you've forgotten!
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing,
When you're feeling in the dumps,
Don't be silly chumps,
Just purse your lips and whistle -- that's the thing!
And always look on the bright side of life!
The Directors
Brooke Grant
Roxanne Paulsen
Dave Christensen
