This past weekend, Wantagh Theatre put on four outstanding performances of Monty Python’s “Spamalot!”. Taking place in England (certainly not Finland…), the musical details the hilarious journey of King Arthur and his “Knights of the Round Table” on a quest to seek the Holy Grail. This musical, however, was unlike any other musical put on by talented actors of Wantagh Theatre. Almost thirty Wantagh High School seniors (cast, crew, and pit) took their final bow on the closing show that took place on Sunday afternoon. Once again without fail, Wantagh Theatre put on another stellar performance- truly celebrating the senior class’s talent and dedication to the Fine Arts Department.
According to Dr. Kimberly Davis, the director of the school musical, the theatre department “went through the roof with costuming and props making sure every scene was the best it could be”. Actors were wearing top notch costumes every performance, each one ranging from one hundred to more than three-hundred dollars. The stage was set with an elaborate two story castle structure on stage left and right- allowing actors to stand in it and perform their hearts out. There was also a projector displaying a backdrop of every single scene- complete with a singalong at the conclusion of the show. From props to set, from set to lighting, the crew was told “the sky was the limit” and they truly exceeded that.
This particular cast- along with crew and the immensely talented pit band – was a special group. At least twenty nine students performing were taking their final bow onstage as Wantagh Theatre students. To end this incredible chapter of their lives, the graduating cast and crew received senior posters created by the underclassmen and following this, grads prepared their own speeches thirty minutes prior to places. Together, the cast and crew (not without tears) reminisced about their time spent in theatre, along with fond memories and traditions. At the conclusion of the last performance on Sunday afternoon, the seniors received memorabilia bags from the Wantagh Performing Arts Booster Club containing a photo book along with a “key”, allowing access for all alumni to return and watch Wantagh’s plays and musicals as they please. With nearly thirty seniors off to “find their grail”, the theatre department is undoubtedly facing a big loss. But, to “look on the bright side of life”, Dr. Davis expressed her appreciation for this senior class stating that it “has been so wonderful to watch this super talented group mature, grow, and find success”. All in all, “Spamalot!” was yet another Wantagh Theatre success, and we can’t wait to see what show is next!