Monty Python’s Spamalot Character Descriptions/Role Requirements/Vocal Parts

Principal Roles

King Arthur: Broadway: Tim Curry (Tony nomination). Python: Graham Chapman. The King of England who sets out on a quest to form the Knights of the Round Table and find the Holy Grail. Lead role, late 30s-60s. Baritone (G3-F4). Charismatic and comedic actor and strong singer who can move; a great leader, with a vulnerable side. Must also be able to improv with the audience.

The Lady of the Lake: Broadway: Sara Ramirez (Tony award). A Diva. Strong, beautiful, possesses mystical powers. Lead role, 20s-30s. Alto with a large range (E3-B6). Strong triple threat with “it” factor who can play strength and vulnerability simultaneously, with great comedic timing.

Sir Robin: Broadway: David Hyde Pierce. Python: Eric Idle. A Knight of the Round Table. Ironically called ‘Sir Robin the Brave,’ though he couldn’t be more cowardly. Also plays Guard 1 and Brother Maynard. Featured role, 30s-40s. Tenor/Baritone (D3-G4). A strong comedic actor, who can sing and dance (at the same time). Ability to play piano, a plus.

Sir Lancelot: Broadway: Hank Azaria (Tony nomination). Python: John Cleese. A Knight of the Round Table. He is fearless to a bloody fault, but through a twist of fate, does discover his ‘softer side.’ Also plays The French Taunter, Knight of Ni and Tim the Enchanter. Featured role, 30s-40s. Tenor/Baritone (C3-E4). Strong comedic actor who sings and can dance.

Patsy: Broadway: Michael McGrath (Tony nomination). Python: Terry Gilliam. King Arthur’s horse and servant. Underappreciated but always longing for King Arthur’s approval. Also plays Mayor and Guard 2. Featured role, 20s-40s. Tenor/Baritone (Bb3-G5). Physically comedic actor who can sing and move, tap required.

Sir Galahad: Broadway: Christopher Sieber (Tony nomination). Python: Michael Palin. A Knight of the Round Table. Begins as Dennis, a lower class ‘mud gatherer’ who becomes knighted and transforms into the dashing Sir Galahad. Also plays Prince Herbert’s Father and The Black Knight. Featured role, 30s. Tenor (Bb3-Bb5). Strong comedic actor and singer who can move. Physically demanding role.

Sir Bedevere: Broadway: Steve Rosen. Python: Terry Jones. A Knight of the Round Table. An inept scholar. Also plays Dennis Galahad’s Mother and Concorde. Featured role, 20s-40s. Tenor/Baritone with falsetto (D3- G4). Physically comedic character actor who can sing and move.

Prince Herbert: Broadway: Christian Borle. The hopeful and frilly prince who loves to sing, and pines for his love atop a tower. Also plays Historian, Not Dead Fred, French Guard, and Minstrel. Supporting role, 20s-30s. Tenor (A2-A5). Comedic character actor who plays many parts.

Ensemble Players and Dancers:

Looking for at least 4 men and 8 women to create and ensemble and dance corps. These versatile performers will play a variety of characters including Knights of the Round Table, Laker Girls, horses and servants, French guards and citizens, Camelot showgirls, Knights of Ni, Finland citizens, and minstrels. Harmonies often break into parts, so all must be comfortable holding a vocal line while dancing rigorously. The ensemble appears in multiple large production numbers, and will have fast costume changes, as they play multiple incidental characters throughout. Dance requirement will be according to ability but will include tap for all. Age 20s to 40s. Ensemble to cover standard SATB vocal ranges. All ensemble players must be versatile musical theater performers with stage presence and a mix of singing, dancing and acting skills (off the line). Previous experience with dancing llamas, a plus.