Get Ready to Laugh at Wantagh High School’s ‘Monty Python’

A unique style of comedy will have audiences in stitches at the upcoming production of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” at Wantagh High School from April 4-6. Though a less common high school musical, Director Dr. Kimberly Davis and her cast members expect it to be well-received by crowds.
After last year’s performance of “Jekyll and Hyde,” which Dr. Davis described as heavy and dark, it was time for a silly and fun comedy with a happy ending. She also explained that many students involved in the show attended Wantagh theater’s February 2024 trip to London and “Monty Python’s Spamalot” has British roots.
This year’s show is a “big, happy spectacle,” Dr. Davis said, with lively dance numbers and vibrant costumes. Among the show’s major musical numbers are “Knights of the Round Table” and “You Won’t Succeed in Show Biz.”
Another reason she chose this show is having a cast with good comedic timing, who are willing to think outside of the box and experiment with physical comedy. The high school edition is adapted from the 2005 Broadway musical and based upon the classic movie, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
The show features a total cast of 34 students. Lead actors include Nick Allen as King Arthur, Ashlee Fucarino as the Lady of the Lake, Avery Bogacki as Angel, Ava Padula as Patsy, Logan Schroh as Dennis/Sir Galahad, Ryan Mundy as Sir Robin, Lorenzo Hilliard as Sir Lancelot and Riley Wood as Sir Belvedere.
“I’ve never done anything that’s slapstick comedy before,” said Ashlee, a senior who has performed in numerous theater productions. “I’m happy to be doing my final show in Wantagh with something that’s happy and uplifting. The audience will leave the theater with a smile on their face.”
Nick, a 10th grader, portrays the King of England who sets out to form the Knights of the Roundtable and go on a quest for the holy grail. He is thrilled to be a part of this year’s show as he has fond memories of watching the movie with his father.
“It’s just funny and the jokes are hilarious,” he said.
Supporting Dr. Davis are choreographer Christina Mealey, vocal director Sameerah Cassidy, pit conductor Danilo Aviles, technical director Christopher Cockren and stage director Victoria Briguglio.
Show times are Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 6 at 1 p.m. in the Wantagh High School auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, and can be purchased online at seatyourself.biz/wantaghms.