King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have set out on their quest for the Holy Grail! Photo by Mark Wood.
By Anna Kotula, June 29th 2024
Dive into the uproarious world of “Spamalot” at the Ojai Art Center Theater, where the stage comes alive with the zany humor and whimsical charm of Monty Python’s classic comedy. The show kicked off its run on June 21, and after a successful opening weekend, it’s gearing up for more performances that will keep audiences laughing through July 21.
Bringing this comedic gem to life is director Andrew Eiden, who infuses the production with his distinctive style and sharp wit. Eiden, whose creative journey began at a young age, has a rich background in theater, television, and voice work. He debuted at the Ojai Art Center Theater in 2022’s “The Music Man” and has since become a cherished member of the local arts community.
Eiden’s connection to “Spamalot” runs deep. In his director’s note, he humorously reflects on the joy and absurdity of directing a show steeped in Monty Python’s legendary humor. “There’s a lot of reasons why we laugh,” he says. “Things can be witty, or clever. But when something is so stupid and insanely idiotic, that we have no other recourse than to throw up our hands and laugh at the absolute absurdness, that’s my favorite laugh.”
From acting in productions across Southern California to starring in television series like ABC’s “Complete Savages,” Eiden has a diverse and celebrated career. Today, he is also renowned as an audiobook narrator, lending his voice to everything from Disney’s “Frozen” to best-selling novels by Rebecca Yarros and Jeneva Rose. His storytelling prowess and comedic timing are at the heart of this vibrant production.
Choosing “Spamalot” for this summer’s lineup was a decision rooted in Eiden’s love for Monty Python’s irreverent and timeless humor. “When Tracey at OACT asked me if I wanted to direct a musical this summer, my first thought was, of course, ‘Urinetown!’ But she said no. So then I tried to convince her to do ‘Hadestown!’ Again, she said no,” Eiden jokes. Eventually, they landed on “Spamalot,” a show that perfectly aligns with the theater’s mission to entertain and engage.
Our Knights and company get caught in an exuberant moment of song and dance! Photo by Mark Wood.
“I’ve always been a fan of Monty Python, and the movie ‘The Holy Grail’ was a cornerstone of my development as a comedic actor,” Eiden shares. “’Spamalot’ is a hilariously funny and nostalgic show, presented with great song, even better dance, and no limit of stupidity. I knew that if I got the right people to be in it, we could bring the house down, and everyone who came to see it would throw their hands up and laugh at the absolute absurdness of it all. That’s the best kind of laugh, and something vital I think we can all appreciate these days.”
Audiences can look forward to a delightfully absurd and thoroughly entertaining experience with Eiden’s “Spamalot.” The cast and crew have poured their hearts into this production, ensuring that each performance is a burst of joy and laughter. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Monty Python or new to their unique brand of comedy, this show promises an unforgettable theater experience.
Performance Details:
– Venue: Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai, CA 93023
– Dates: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM, through July 21
Tickets and Information:
To secure your tickets or learn more about the show, visit https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/tix/991/ or call the Ojai Art Center Theater at 805-640-8797. Don’t miss out on this spectacular journey through laughter and song with Andrew Eiden’s masterful direction at the helm!
