Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (2021)

JUN 16 - JUL 10

From the comedic brilliance of the mighty Pythons, a troupe of vagabond storytellers arrive in a plague-ridden Tudor village, with their pageant wagon and all its tricks, to perform this hysterically inaccurate version of King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail. Directed by BT MacNicholl, who helmed the show’s First National Tour, this new take on Eric Idle’s already twisted script is sure to thrill Monty Python and musical theatre fans alike!

“Exaggerated craziness” — Broadway World

“The slap-happy show is one laugh after another” — The Weekly Sentinel

“Music, laughter, beautiful sets, and the joy of Ogunquit Playhouse is back.” — Boxing Over Broadway

“If you want to experience the ‘Bright Side of Life’ once again, SPAMALOT is a great place to start.” — Theatre Mirror

“Do yourself a favor and go see the Knights of the Roundtable on the quest. You sure will not regret it.” — Theatrely

“Just what the doctor ordered for this unusual moment in Ogunquit Playhouse history.” — Portland Press Herald

Run Time: 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission

Content Advisory: Adult themes, saucy language, and killer rabbits!

REVIEWS

“This space offers every ounce of magic that the Ogunquit Playhouse has offered for well over eight decades. Sure, we would all like to be back in the historic theater, but this structure is a magnificent achievement to insure a comfortable, and very safe, venue for theater in 2021. Thank you Ogunquit Playhouse for bringing me home once again.” — Dan Marois, BroadwayWorld.com Review

“Don’t think twice about buying tickets for SPAMALOT and the rest of the season. Come out of your cocoon and step into the world of outstanding musical theatre at the Ogunquit Playhouse. It really feels good to be back looking at the bright side of life!” — Bobby Franklin, BoxingOverBroadway.com Review

“This entertaining production is precisely the kind of silly fun needed to snap theatergoers out of our doldrums by reminding us of the joy of the shared experience of laughing out loud with a crowd of people.” — Mike Hoban, TheatreMirror.net Review

“Kudos are in order to the cast, crew, Playhouse staff and benefactors for bringing live theatre back in a safe, sane way.” — Nancye Tuttle, TheWeeklySentinel.com Review

“No SPAMALOT would be complete without a diva-licious Lady of the Lake and I don’t think one better could be found than beltress powerhouse Mariand Torres who is tremendous and exactly what one needs after sitting inside for the past 18 months”. — Kobi Kassal, Theatrely.com Review

“The Playhouse’s choice for the season-opening show seemed just about perfect for this unusual setting, and a general, let’s-have-some-fun atmosphere quickly took hold.” — Steve Feeney, PressHerald.com Review

Directed by BT McNicholl, who helmed the show’s First National Tour, this new take on Eric Idle’s already twisted script is sure to thrill Monty Python and musical theatre fans alike.

Returning to the role of King Arthur that he originated for Ogunquit Playhouse in 2010 is the charismatic Charles Shaughnessy, best known to TV fans as Mr. Sheffield on CBS’ “The Nanny” and Shane Donovan on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives.” 

Joining Shaughnessy in this merry band of madness are Mariand Torres (Broadway’s Wicked) as Lady of the Lake, Marc Ginsburg (The Band’s Visit, National Tour) as Sir Lancelot, Daniel A. Lopez (Into the Woods, Hollywood Bowl) as Sir Galahad, Josh Grisetti (Broadway’s Something Rotten!) as Sir Robin, Dwelvan David (Finding Neverland, National Tour) as Sir Bedevere, Nic Rouleau (Broadway’s Book of Mormon) as The Historian, and Jennifer Cody (Ogunquit Playhouse’s Elf The Musical) as Patsy. Maya Kazzaz, Larkin Reilly, Jacob Roberts-Miller, Michael Olaribigbe, Mackenzie Perpich, and Celina Nightengale round out the Ensemble.

Spamalot will feature choreography by Jennifer Rias (Dance Captain, Broadway’s Aladdin), music direction by Fred Lassen (Broadway’s Bandstand), lighting design by Rich Latta (Ogunquit Playhouse’s Kinky Boots), costume coordination by Jill Tarr (Ogunquit Playhouse’s Annie), wig coordination by Brandee Huston (Hair Supervisor, Beautiful National Tour), sound design by Kevin Heard (Ogunquit Playhouse’s Murder on the Orient Express), and set design by Nate Bertone (Once, Bucks County Playhouse) for a stage three times the size of Ogunquit’s indoor venue; with Sean Patrick Production Stage Manager and RL Campbell Assistant Stage Manager.

Evening performances are 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Performances may vary week-by-week; check the full schedule for details.

CAST

CHARLES SHAUGHNESSY (Arthur, King of the Britons) was born to a showbiz family in London and educated at Eton and Cambridge University, where he tried to “do something sensible” by getting a degree in Law. It didn’t work. Performing in the celebrated Footlights Revue was a lot more fun than Torts and Land Law, so he decided to join the family business after all. After a few years of gainful employment in England, Charles pursued a gorgeous American actress to Los Angeles, married her, and raised two equally gorgeous daughters, who are the light of his life. He went on to a successful and multi-faceted career on stage and screen that took him from exotic locations like Hawaii and Paris to stages on Broadway and, yes, Ogunquit Playhouse: where he played King Arthur for the first time. Hopefully he can get it right this time! Charles considers himself extremely lucky to have made a living in this crazy business and has enjoyed every second of it. You might recognize him from roles on some beloved TV shows like The Nanny and Mad Men, but then again… you might not.

MARIAND TORRES (Lady of the Lake) is thrilled to make her Ogunquit Playhouse debut! Broadway: Wicked (Elphaba Standby), In Transit (Nina). National/International Tour: Wicked (Elphaba), Prince of Broadway, (Eva Peron, directed by Harold Prince/Susan Stroman, Japan world premiere) Off-Broadway: Natasha, Pierre and the the Great Comet of 1812 (Helene/Marya us), School of Rock (Gramercy Theater). Regional: Evita (Eva Peron), Fun Home (Helen Bechdel, Kansas City Rep), Spamalot (Lady of the Lake, Connecticut Rep), Giant (Analita, Signature Theatre), Murder Ballad (Narrator, Actors Playhouse, Carbonell Award) TV: Madam Secretary. Mariand has participated in the development of new musicals with NY Theatre Workshop, Public Theater, LAByrinth Theatre Company, NY Stage and Film, Sundance Theatre Lab, Old Globe, and Yale Rep. Endless thanks to HCKR, Nick & mi familia. For Pa.

DANIEL LOPEZ (Sir Galahad) is thrilled to make his Ogunquit Playhouse debut, and return to theatre after a very long 15 months! Regional: Into The Woods (Steward, The Hollywood Bowl), West Side Story (Tony, Cardinal Stage), The Wild Party (Burrs, Illumination Theater Company), Master Class (Tony Candolino, CATCO). TV: Blue Bloods (EMC), Ways & Means (Southern Male Freshman), Shattered (Auggie). Opera: La Traviata (Alfredo, Opera Columbus), The Mikado (Nanki-Poo, various), The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic, Quisisana). Recording: When She Loved Me (“Disney Goes Classical,” The Opera Men featuring The Royal Philharmonic, DECCA records). So many thanks to Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters-in-law, Chechito, doggy niblings, Jen and Kathy, Ted, Claire, Gerald, Chad and the rest of Binder Casting, and Elvis.

MARC GINSBURG (Sir Lancelot) A native Philadelphian based in Los Angeles, Marc is thrilled to make his Ogunquit Playhouse debut, acting the fool in this amazing new space! First National Tour: The Band’s Visit (Sammy), Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver! (Ensemble/Fagin us). Regional: Ragtime (Tateh, Pasadena Playhouse, Ovation Award Nomination), Spamalot (Sir Lancelot, 3D Theatricals), Shrek (Lord Farquaad, Moonlight Amphitheater), First Date (Aaron, La Mirada, Ovation Award Nomination), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere, 5 Star Theatricals), Evita (Che, Cabrillo Music Theatre, Ovation Award Nomination). Film: Racing Colt. Thanks to everyone at Ogunquit, BT, Jennifer, Fred, Sean, the folks at Binder, and the loves of my life, my wife Liza, son Phoenix, and baby Python due in November! marcandliza.com

JOSH GRISETTI (Sir Robin), having recently been inoculated against the plague, is a very special person, Sagittarius, and thrilled to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Broadway: Something Rotten!, It Shoulda Been You (Clarence Derwent Award winner), Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound. National Tour: Something Rotten! Off-Broadway: Enter Laughing (Theatre World Award winner), Rent, Peter and the Starcatcher, Red Eye of Love, Candida, After the Ball. Regional: Matilda (The Muny), Beauty & the Beast (La Mirada), Prince of Broadway (Tokyo), My Paris (Long Wharf), Diner (Signature Theatre), Camelot (Kennedy Center), How to Succeed… (Ovation Award & Garland Award winner), Spamalot (Las Vegas). TV: The Good Fight, Nurse Jackie, The Knights of Prosperity. Film: The Immigrant, The Namesake. joshgrisetti.com

DWELVAN DAVID (Sir Bedevere) National Tour: Finding Neverland, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Off-Broadway: Emojiland, Till, Standby. Regional: Sweeney Todd (Denver Center), Sister Act (Tuacahn), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (MSMT), Show Boat (Lyric Opera Chicago), The Wiz (TATC), Caroline or Change (Human Race), Ragtime (Drury Lane). TV: Russian Doll, Bull, Gotham, SVU, Happy!, Billions, New Amsterdam. AEA Proud. @dwelvandavid

JEN CODY (Patsy) is ecstatic to return to Ogunquit Playhouse! All feels right with the world. OP: Elf (Deb), Damn Yankees (Gloria), Million Dollar Quartet (choreographer), All Shook Up (Natalie/Ed), and Cinderella (Joy). Broadway: Original casts of Shrek the Musical, Pajama Game, Urinetown, Taboo, Seussical, as well as the companies of A Christmas Story, Cats, Beauty and The Beast, and Grease. She is probably best know for voicing the character of Charlotte LaBouff in Disney’s The Princess and The Frog, for which she received the Annie Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Major Motion Picture. Film: Paper Spiders (cranium entertainment), Lucky Stiff (New Oz Productions), Khumba (Triggerfish). TV: Younger (TV Land), The Good Fight (CBS), Blue Bloods (CBS), American Dad (TBS), Instinct (CBS), Unforgettable (CBS), Bull (CBS), Winx Club (Nickelodeon), Phineus and Ferb (Disney) and yes, Law and Order. Jen-cody.com

NIC ROULEAU (Historian, Herbert, and more) is pleased to make his Ogunquit Playhouse. Broadway/West End: Book of Mormon (Elder Price, over 2500 performances). National Tour: Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl), Book of Mormon (Elder Price, original Chicago Cast), Legally Blonde (Emmett). Regional: Cabaret (Cliff, The New London Barn Playhouse), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Hero, TriArts Sharon Playhouse). TV: The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Daddy’s Boy, Netflix), The 2012 Tony Awards (CBS). Bachelor’s of Music from NYU Steinhardt. nicrouleau.com

MAYA KAZZAZ (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut! Regional: Jerome Robins’ Broadway (Rosalia, Theater Under The Stars), Peter Pan (Tootles, North Shore Music Theater), Evita (Arts Center Coastal), Saturday Night Fever. Labs: A Crossing (Associate Choreographer, Barrington Stage Company), 9 to 5 (West End), The Bodyguard (Tokyo). Thank you to her agents at The Hybrid Agency and to Mom, Cooper, Jack and Chad. mayakazzaz.com

CELINA NIGHTENGALE (Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Tour: Aladdin 1st National (Ensemble). Regional: Rock Of Ages (Las Vegas, Swing/Justice us, Assistant DC), Legends in Concert (Ensemble). TV: Wicked City (Featured Dancer). Other credits include: Janet Jackson (Dancer), Alicia Keys (Body Double/Showgirl), Adam Lambert (Co-star/dancer). To my love, family, and friends, thank you for supporting me throughout this unreal year and reminding me that the stage was still waiting. celinanightengale.com

MICHAEL OLARIBIGBE (Ensemble) is pleased to make his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Regional: Kinky Boots (U.S Regional Premiere, Angel, The MUNY); Hello, Dolly! (Ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (Red Carpet), Singin in the Rain (Ensemble), Saturday Night Fever (Chester), The Wizard of Oz (The Yellow Brick Road), and Bye Bye Birdie (Hugo, Maine State Music Theatre). Film: A Jazzman’s Blues (New film by Tyler Perry and Debbie Allen). Michael wants to thank his Friends and Family for supporting him. He is grateful for the return of live theatre and counts his blessings everyday! @olar_22

MACKENZIE PERPICH (Ensemble) is pleased to make her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. National Tour: Annie. NY Theatre: The Liberace Musical at NYMF. Regional: The North American premiere of Tim Rice’s From Here to Eternity (Merry-Go-Round Playhouse), Bright Star, Something Rotten (Musical Theatre West), Beauty and the Beast (La Mirada Theatre), A Christmas Carol (The Alliance Theatre). Clear Talent Group. Marymount Manhattan Alumni. mackenzieperpich.com

LARKIN REILLY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Regional: A Chorus Line (Val) and Chicago (Ensemble, Music Theatre Wichita), Heathers: The Musical (Heather McNamara, Faust Theatre), A Chorus Line (Bebe, The Theatre in the Park). Educational: Crazy for You (Polly Baker, Indiana University), Into the Woods (Little Red, Indiana University), Head Over Heels, (Philoclea, Indiana University). Larkin recently graduated from Indiana University. Love and thanks to Matt and the team at DGRW, Inc. and to Mom and Dad for their constant support! @larkin_reilly

JACOB ROBERTS-MILLER (Ensemble) is delighted to make his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. National Tour: A Bronx Tale (Handsome Nick, u/s Calogero, Networks). Off-Broadway: From Here to Eternity (Anderson, Baryshnikov Arts Center). Regional: Kiss Me, Kate (Gremio, u/s Bill, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), South Pacific (Ensemble) and Mamma Mia (Ensemble, The Rev).

LINDA NEEL (Swing) is extremely grateful to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debutt. This show is near and dear to her heart. International: Hong Kong Disneyland, Norwegian Cruise Line. Regional: Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (Musical Theatre West), The Wiz (Sacramento Music Circus), The Producers (Gateway Playhouse), Hello, Dolly! (Riverside Theatre), Chicago (Reagle Music Theatre), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Moonlight Amphitheater). Much gratitude to her agent, Julie at GTA, and to her family for their unwavering support. 

NICK BERKE (Swing) is thrilled to make his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Tours: Fiddler on the Roof (Swing, 1st National); A Chorus Line (Greg, North America/Japan). Regional: A Chorus Line (Frank, The Public Theater Gala / Greg, The Wick / Al, Cortland Rep); Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood u/s, Summer Theatre New Canaan); West Side Story (5 theaters over 5 years!). Endless thanks to Mom, Dad, and Carly for braving the past unprecedented year, and to everyone at Ogunquit and Binder Casting for bringing theatre back! BFA NYU/Tisch: New Studio on Broadway. nickberke.com @nickberke

CREATIVE

BT McNICHOLL (Director) is thrilled to be back at the Playhouse with this delightful comedy after helming 2019's musical drama Cabaret and seven other Ogunquit stagings including West Side Story (Moss Hart Award). He was tapped by legendary director Mike Nichols to oversee the original Broadway, London, and National Touring companies of SPAMALOT. Internationally, McNicholl won the Australian Tony Award (The Helpmann) for Best Director, directed the European premiere of The Producers for Mel Brooks and went on to stage record-setting runs of American musicals in Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Korea. BT served on the creative teams of a dozen Broadway shows (such as the Tony-winning Billy Elliot) as the associate to master directors Stephen Daldry, Sam Mendes, Rob Marshall, David Hare, and Jerry Zaks. A BMI Award-winning lyricist, BT was a Development Consultant for MGM's theatrical division and is now the Producing Artistic Director of the Tony-nominated La Mirada Theatre in Los Angeles. 

FRED LASSEN (Music Director) Broadway: Sing Street, Prince of Broadway, Bandstand, Mean Girls, King Kong, Finding Neverland, Once, Porgy and Bess, South Pacific, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Spamalot, Cabaret, 42nd Street, Once Upon A Mattress. Off-Broadway/Regional: The Sting (Paper Mill Playhouse), The Threepenny Opera (Atlantic Theatre), Sycamore Trees (Helen Hayes award nominee). International: Once (Dublin, Toronto), Prince Of Broadway (Tokyo, Osaka). Fred has arranged and recorded two albums with Laura Osnes. He was the Associate Music Supervisor for NBC’s live musical broadcasts of Peter Pan and The Sound of Music. Fred graduated with a degree in Organ Performance from Oberlin Conservatory, and lives in Brooklyn with his wife Vaishali, a documentary filmmaker, and his 6-year-old son Luca.

JENNIFER RIAS (Choreographer) is thrilled to be making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Having been a part of Spamalot’s First National Tour, she knows how special this show is. Grateful to BT, Brad, and Brian for the opportunity. As a performer on Broadway: Rock of Ages, Aladdin, War Paint, Escape to Margaritaville, The Cher Show. She was also a Radio City Rockette! Thank you for supporting live theatre and may we always Look on the bright side of life! Love to my #1 Knight in shining armor Mike (my amazing husband), Coop, Cam, and our holy grail Gooz! Carson, I love you buddy. “Who’s Pete?”

GEOF DOLAN (Technical Director) is returning for his 15th season as Technical Director, Scenic Coordinator, and has done supplemental design work for several shows. He is also the Technical Supervisor for the Youth Theatre program. Geof began his technical career working backstage for both his parents (who are theatre directors) and began his professional career at Sierra Repertory Theatre in California. Prior to Ogunquit, Geof served as Technical Director for Worcester Foothills Theatre. For five years, he split seasons between Maine and Florida, working the same technical areas for Orlando Shakespeare, and now stays with the Playhouse year-round with his wife Cheryl (Resident Scenic Charge).

NATE BERTONE (Set Design) is a NYC-based theatrical storyteller who has worked nationally and internationally as a director, designer, playwright, and producer. Nate’s designs have appeared at Google, Sacramento Music Circus, Ogunquit Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Theatre by the Sea, Arizona Broadway. As Associate Designer for Tony Award-Winning Designer Beowulf Boritt: Be More Chill (West End), Crazy for You (Lincoln Center), 20th Century Blues (Off Broadway). Assistant to Boritt: Freestyle Love Supreme and A Bronx Tale (Broadway). Faculty: Manhattan School of Music. Dean’s Scholar of Central Saint Martins, London. His musical Letters From War has played STC, MLT, and NSMT. His new play The SeaView Nursing Home for the Newly Deceased is in development. Represented by The Gersh Agency. Proud member of USA829 and The Dramatists Guild. natebertone.com

RICHARD LATTA (Lighting Design) OP: Jersey Boys, 42nd Street, Cabaret, Oklahoma!, An American in Paris (IRNE Award Nomination), Grumpy Old Men the Musical. He is currently the longest serving employee at Ogunquit Playhouse, beginning as a crew member in 1985 and serving as a Lighting Designer since 1987. In that time, he's designed hundreds of shows and watched in amazement as the Playhouse evolved from its humble Summer Stock beginnings to a producing entity that presents classics, re-inventions of recent shows, and gives life to brand new productions. Rich thanks the many Electricians, Programmers, Associates and Follow Spot Operators who make the Playhouse great.

KEVIN HEARD (Sound Design) is so thrilled and grateful to be returning to Ogunquit Playhouse and live audiences! OP: Ragtime (IRNE Award Winner), Cabaret, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, An American in Paris, From Here to Eternity, Mamma Mia!, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Anything Goes, White Christmas, Million Dollar Quartet. Broadway: All The Way, The Cherry Orchard, The Country House. Off-Broadway: #DateMe, Einstein’s Dreams, The Hello Girls, In & Of Itself, Midnight at The Never Get, safeword, Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Along with dozens of Regional productions across the US, Kevin designed sound for the International Premieres of Fun Home (starring Lea Salonga), Kinky Boots, and Matilda in Manila, Philippines. Kevin is also an independent producer and general manager who works frequently with BenDeLaCreme Presents and recently produced his first feature film with The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special, now streaming on Hulu. heardaudio.com

BRANDEE DANIELLE HUSTON (Wig Design) is an international hair and makeup artist and proud IATSE member. With over 10 years of experience across multiple platforms including theater, fashion, commercial, and film/TV, she joins the Playhouse straight from the set of an upcoming major feature film. Theatre: On Your Feet! (1st Nat’l Tour), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Nat’l Tour), An American in Paris (Associate Designer; Broadway Asia). Commercial: Von Maur. Brandee is a passionate social justice and mental wellness advocate and would like to remind everyone that BIPOC/AAPI/LGBTQ+ lives matter. Thank you for supporting live art! brandeedanielleartistry.com

CHERYL DOLAN (Resident Scenic Charge) has returned to the Playhouse for her 14th season. After taking over as Resident Scenic Charge 11 years ago, she has designed several sets for our Youth Theatre Program, as well as adding her artistic eye to many of the main stage productions. Since falling in love with the Playhouse, Cheryl, and her husband Geof (Technical Director) have made the Seacoast their home year-round. Cheryl considers the staff at OP her family and hopes her love and passion for theater is translated through these productions to all of you.

AMANDA WOODWARD (Production Manager) returns for her third season. Before Ogunquit, Amanda spent 20 years around the world wearing many hats, with FELD Entertainment for Sesame Street Live! and Disney on Ice, with Norwegian Cruise Line as Entertainment Project Manager overseeing new show installations, and in NYC as a PSM, LD, Programmer, Entertainer, and her own organization business. Other companies include The Imagination House (Double Dare Live!), American Family Theater, The Santa Fe Opera, The Cumberland County Playhouse, The Brick Theater. She is Co-Chair of the Playhouse’s DEIA Committee and is committed to creating a welcoming space for all voices. This season is dedicated to her parents, Ava and Bob, for their endless support. G, thanks for being my rock.

SEAN FRANCIS PATRICK (Stage Manager) Is thrilled to be returning to Ogunquit Playhouse after stage managing 2019’S Cabaret. National Tour: The Band’s Visit, Cabaret, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Anything Goes. In addition to stage management, Sean is a seasoned actor, director, producer, and arts educator. He attended Wright State University and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

RL CAMPBELL (Assistant Stage Manager) Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Broadway: Bring It On. National Tour: Bring It On, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Off-Broadway: The Choking Game. Regional: CTG/Ahmanson, Alliance Theatre, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, The Wallis, Theatre Emory, Horizon Theatre, Theatre in the Square, The Colony, Utah Festival Opera. Ronnie dedicates this and all performances in loving memory of his mother DGBC. Proud member of Actors’ Equity.

BINDER CASTING (Casting Director) founded by Jay Binder nearly 40 years ago, has been a part of RWS Entertainment Group since 2016. The office has cast 150+ Broadway, Off-Broadway, and National Touring productions, in addition to countless national and international projects spanning both stage and screen. Binder was featured prominently in the Broadway documentary, Every Little Step, and is a proud twelve-time recipient of the Artios Award for Excellence in Casting. The office infuses its work with both a deep respect for our roots and a commitment to growth. bindercasting.com