Hamden Natives Appear Alongside Comedy Legend in CT Rep's "Spamalot"

STORRS. Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) will stage "Monty Python's Spamalot", the Tony Award winning musical comedy with book and lyrics by Eric Idle, music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle as the final show of its 2015-2016 season. Hamden natives and graduates of Hamden High School, Gavin McNicholl stars as Patsy and Scott Redmond will appear in the show playing multiple roles included Not Dead Fred, French Guard, and Lead Minstrel. Performances will be held in the Harriet S. Jorgenson Theatre from April 21 - May 1, 2016. For tickets and information please visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://crt.uconn.edu">crt.uconn.edu</a> or call (860) 486-2113.

Redmond and McNicholl are currently juniors in the UConn BFA Acting program. As a student in the department, they receive conservatory style training that prepares young actors for careers in film, television and theatre. Students take classes in voice, movement, acting, and camera work. McNicholl's past roles at CRT include: "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Leaf Coneybear), "Lysistrata" (Zoticus), and "Sense &amp; Sensibility" (Robert). Redmond's past roles at CRT include "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Puck), "Lysistrata" (Dwight), and "Cloud 9" (Harry/Martin). He has also appeared with Connecticut Free Shakespeare in "As You Like It" (William), and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Starveling).

Redmond says, "I've really lucked out during this rehearsal process. I get to learn from some top notch professionals while also having a fun and crazy time putting the show together. This show demands 100% from everyone, and it really shows. Richard Ruiz's joyous and playful spirit comes through in his direction of the show. The musical styles in this show range from Broadway standards to disco to Medieval chants."

McNicholl says, "'Spamalot' is an absolute dream to be a part of. Monty Python has been a huge part of my up bringing and to be able to be a part of a creative process to bring back to life some of the most iconic comedic moments in film is incredibly rewarding and terrifying. The whole team in the rehearsal room has been incredibly supportive and absolutely hilarious, not to mention we have some great role models to look up to, such as Richard Kline, Richard Ruiz and Mariand Torres. The smiles will never cease for this show."

Richard Kline leads the cast in the role of King Arthur. Kline, best known from television's "Three's Company", was last seen at CRT in Neil Simon's "The Sunshine Boys", alongside Ruiz. Prior to that he played the Wizard in the National Tour of "Wicked", where he performed alongside Mariand Torres as Elphaba. Torres makes her CRT debut as the Lady of the Lake. Torres recently returned from Japan and the world premiere of "Prince of Broadway", directed by legendary director Harold Prince and co-directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman.

"Monty Python's Spamalot", the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail", arrives to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom. As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as Monty Python, the beloved British comedy troupe that inspired it, Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. You'll enjoy some mostly handsome Knights, a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people, before the familiar sound of clomping coconut shells brings down the curtain on the season's goofiest if satirically dead-on comic delights.

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION
Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Select matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Single tickets are available now. Single tickets range from $7 to $36. All student tickets are only $7.

Please call the box office at 860.486.2113 for tickets and additional information or visit <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.crt.uconn.edu">www.crt.uconn.edu</a> for specific show dates and times because performance schedules vary and are subject to change.