– “Standing Room Only Theater Brings Community Theater (and Spamalot!) to Yelm”
“A willingness to adapt and collaborate is at the core of Yelm’s Standing Room Only [SRO] Theater group, along with an emphasis on trying new roles and breaking out of your comfort zone. Spamalot is a case in point, containing multiple music and dance numbers, complex – and very funny – dialogue, costume changes, and complicated props.

‘It’s important to have a big, beloved show at least once a year,’ says co-producer Dave Champagne, who also plays King Arthur. ‘Monty Python spans an audience that goes way outside of musical theater. The Holy Grail is a cult classic, and the troupe is world renowned. It’s about making theater accessible to a broader base of people.'”

“Spamalot has been a stretch for several of the group’s members, with Wyman taking on the director role for the first time.”

“Vocal Director Ian Montgomery has been singing and performing with the Olympia Choral Society and SPSCC for years, but had never tried to teach anyone what he knew.”

“Choreographer Fred Loertscher has had a similar experience. The former Washington State University cheerleader has directed professional half-time shows for the NFL, NBA, and college bowl games, and says he’s been surprised by what he discovered in Yelm.”

“For actress and singer Dawn Young, the show is a chance to co-produce as well as perform as The Lady of the Lake, (aka ‘some watery tart throwing swords at you’ for fans of the film). ‘I grew up on Monty Python,’ she says. ‘Daniel and Dave had seen Spamalot in Seattle and their enthusiasm and excitement had me on board.’ She agreed to co-produce and organize auditions that reached out to the community outside of Yelm,'” quoting Heidi Smith, Thurston Talk.
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King Arthur (Dave Champagne) gets a blessing for the Holy Hand Grenade
from the archbishop (Joel Derefield), as Patsy looks on (Champagne’s son Will).
Photo credit: Bill Wyman.

– Editor’s Note:
I attended this show Friday, November 18 to packed house and was amazed at the joy and fun exhibited by the cast. The professionalism of taking SRO to the next level was noticeable in the quality of the programs and in the performance, quite a tribute to the 20+ years of community theater in Yelm provided under the direction of Nancy Hillman. This show was directed by her student, first-time Director Daniel Wyman, who was superb!

Standouts in this play were perennial favorites and accomplished thespians Dave Champagne as King Arthur and Dawn Young as Lady of the Lake. This role gave Young the ability to fully express the range of her very impressive talents! I was thrilled to see the skills of Jesse Geray put to the test in this performance, as he once-again proved himself as quite a diverse and talented actor. The highlight of this show was clearly Champagne’s son Will as Patsy, who nailed the nuances of this character. And, I am ever-so-elated to see that Kevin McManus has found his “Holy Grail” back on the Yelm stage. McManus always delights in the way he enunciates the depth of any character in utilizing his stage experience. Kellie Petersen’s proficiency was once again demonstrated in her casting of her role. Shilo Wilson is someone who shows his adeptness and I expect to see more of him on the Yelm stage. Other standouts that exhibited their talents include Kyle Burke, Alex Brown and Kalen McCrea. Joel Derefield and David Fairley added to the color. Vocal Director Ian Montgomery and Choreographer Fred Loertscher, Jr’s experience were a perfect match for this show. The entire play was well-cast by an outstanding ensemble!


– Spamlot story line
“Spamalot is the story of King Arthur, his legendary Knights of the Round Table and their noble quest to find the Holy Grail. The show is filled with iconic imagery from the classic movie (Lady of the Lake, Excalibur, The Black Knight, The Knights who say ‘Ni’, a Wooden Rabbit, etc…) and is set to amazing music by Python Legend Eric Idle, with real Broadway style musical dance numbers.

SRO has a cast of local seasoned actors, singers and dancers. The Show is produced by Dave Champagne and Dawn Young, and is directed by Daniel Wyman – an SRO veteran actor, making his directorial debut.


– REMAINING PERFORMANCES:
The show performs are at The Triad Theater on Friday and Saturday nights November 25th & 26th at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinee November 27th at 2pm.
November 19th is a special kids friendly version of Spamalot at 1pm. Some tickets still available at the door.
Regular Ticket price: $24.50 with discounted tickets for Seniors, Military, and Students: $15.00
DON’T MISS THIS SHOW!


– Buy tickets for these showtimes
Nov 20th 2pm,
Nov 25th 7:30pm, Nov 26th 7:30pm, Nov 27th 2pm.
Click here to buy tidkets.


– The Triad Theater
102 Yelm Ave. E.
Yelm, WA. 98597
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