MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT - Winona State University

written by: Eric Idle
music by: John Du Prez & Eric Idle
director: Heather Williams-Williams
music director: Dr. Harry Mechell
choreographer: Seth Gabriel-Mayotte
scenic & lighting designer: Peggy Sannerud
costume designer: Tracy van Voorst
stage manager: Rebekah Bailey
cast: Thomas Sonneman, Bailey Bestul, Adam Calcagno, Daniel Kopitzke, Elijah Wood, Kort Lindblad, Brooke May, Grace Harrington, Tristen Welden, Josie Hannon-Geller, Linden Kirscht, Kayla Williams-Schwarze, Brooke Bestul, Rebecca Borchardt, Taylor Nyman, Lance Urbick, Taylor Nyman, Marley Benedum, Cameron Lorntson, Sam Scherrer

The stage version of the popular Monty Python film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

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I think it is admirable that a small-to-medium liberal arts college with a very small theatre department would put on a large scale musical such as this. But just because it is done with enthusiasm in an educational setting, doesn't mean it will be a strong production.

For all the smiles and energy that comes from this cast, this was an un-even production that relied much more on the actors and audience to be familiar with Monty Python's famous film to get the story across. The acting ranged from over-the-top to subtle to very direct without any obvious intention for the variety.

The chorus of knights was probably the strongest part of this show (which is good since they are on the most).

The scenery was barely serviceable. For a college production of a large musical the sets seemed cheap and flat. Most community theatre I attend put more effort into their sets.

This is not a school known for their theatre program, and based on this, not likely to be so in the near future.

SPRING ALL-SCHOOL BAND CONCERT - Rushford-Peterson Music Department

Band Directors: Burton Svendsen & Jake Olson

5th GRADE BAND:
"The Crusaders"
"Pirates Parade"
"Midnight Sky"
"Popcorn Prelude"

6th GRADE BAND:
"Blue Rock"
"Even Now"
"Trailblazer March"
"Salute to America"

7th & 8th GRADE BAND:
"Pevency Castle"
"Song for Winds"
"Exaltation"
"Yellow Submarine-Maxwell's Silver Hammer"
"Rites of Tamburo"

MIDDLE SCHOOL COMBINED BAND:
"Beauty and the Beast"
"Sunny Point"

CLARINET SOLO:
Canzonetta, Op.19

JAZZ BAND:
"The Blues Brothers Rockin' Soul Revue"
(I Can't Turn You Loose - Soul Man - Gimme Some Lovin')
"Viva La Vida"
"Uptown Funk"

SENIOR HIGH CONCERT BAND:
"Espana!"
"Three River Suite"
III. The Mississippi"
"Alligator Alley"

This is a pretty typical small school band concert and it is fun to watch and listen to the progression of talent through the grades.  This is the first time we get to hear the 5th graders (who've been playing for all of four months).

I was definitely impressed with the younger talent this year.  There are some very strong young musicians coming up at this little school.  In particular two percussionists (one 5th grade, one 6th grade) clearly have a great deal of skill.

A delightful evening.

It's hard to believe that I haven't written in here in four years. Well...maybe it's not so hard to believe. Over the next few months I hope to make a few posts...trying to catch up on some past events. This is mostly just for my own record-keeping.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN - Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

playwright: Randy Johnson
director: Randy Johnson
musical director: Mark Berman
costumes: Amy Clark
sound: Ben Selke
projections: Darrel Maloney
wigs/hair: Leah Loukas
production stage manager: Hethyr Verhoef
cast: Mary Bridget Davies, Cicily Daniels, Tawny Dolley, Kelly McIntyre, Q. Smith, Jennifer Leigh Warren

A Janis Joplin concert, near the end of her life, with Janis recalling some of the singers and songs that inspired her, with those characters (Bessie Smith, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Chantel, et al) making an appearance to sing their songs.

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This was an absolutely AMAZING evening of theatre/music!

The show feels a LOT like an actual concert - a feeling encouraged by the performers.  This created a sense of uncertainty in Minneapolis, Minnesota (where I saw this show) as Minnesotans are typically very reserved.  But credit to the performers to get the audience on their feet and cheering as though they were at a rock concert.

Much has been said and written about Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin and I'll simply echo the raves.  She is truly outstanding, and the energy she shares on stage is electric.

But what isn't written about much is how remarkable the rest of the cast is.  Cecily Daniels as Bessie Smith knocked my socks off!  Tawny Dolley's Etta James absolutely rocked, and Q. Smith as Aretha Franklin brought the house down.  This was a complete group effort.

My wife and I had house seats and it really was like being at a Janis Joplin rock concert, which made it feel like seeing a play and going to a concert all rolled into one.  Is there a better way to spend an evening?

If this show is coming to your town, you should do yourself a favor and go see it.