A chorus of laughter can be heard from the North Fork Community Theatre (12700 Sound Ave., Mattituck) as neighbors enjoy the musical comedy “Spamalot” this fall.
“Spamalot,” a production that draws inspiration from cult classic 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is a show that theater companies typically have fun personalizing for their communities. Director Robert Taylor and the cast took some liberties with the show’s script to connect North Fork residents with the medieval subject matter — referencing both the Riverhead and the Southold town supervisors as punchlines throughout.
“This show is all about having fun,” Taylor says. “My whole goal here — with the political climate the way it is — everyone needs the chance to just laugh and enjoy themselves. Every night when [the audience is] leaving this show, they’re smiling and laughing, and that’s really all I want.”
The cast, led by Nicholas Mackey as King Arthur, Marguerite Boone as Lady of the Lake and Ghana Haase as Sir Robin, is one that Taylor dubs a “dream cast” to work with. Forty-eight people in total have helped bring the show to life between the actors, production team and orchestra.
The cast, whose ages range from 17 to 70 years old, is “…the absolute best cast I’ve ever worked with — they all get along well, they’re all happy, they’re all having fun — and it really comes across to the audience.”
The production is Taylor’s directorial debut. The Mattituck native first set foot on the theater scene at 16 years old in 1976 as part of the theater’s Youth on Stage Program. Forty-eight years later, he finds himself at the helm of a musical production in his hometown theater.
“I kind of got my start in theater here and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing,” Taylor says.
He submitted “Spamalot” for the theater’s consideration in October 2023 when it was still being performed on Broadway. The show was selected by the theater’s play-reading committee in December, and Taylor was chosen to be its director.
“It’s challenging, because it’s got a little bit of everything in it,” Taylor says of “Spamalot.” “But I loved Monty Python as a kid and was very familiar with the Holy Grail movie, so I said, ‘I really want to do this.’”
The show, produced by Kim Cappiello, premiered on Oct. 31 and will run Thursday through Sunday until Nov. 17. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are held at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets range $28–$33 depending on seating. They can be purchased online at nfct.com or in-person at the theater. For more information, call 631-298-6328.
Taylor feels that the North Fork Community Theatre is a mainstay in the region, granting East End locals access to watch live, local theater.
“If you’re interested in it, [the theater] gives you a chance to try out and to work and to be on the stage,” Taylor says. “It’s very, very rewarding.”
Mary Motto Kalich, director of the upcoming spring performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” says that the community is invited to take part in events and productions at the theater throughout the year.
Residents are invited to attend a volunteer information night at the theater to learn more about upcoming opportunities on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
The theater’s upcoming performances include its 20th Anniversary Variety Show Jan. 3-5, “Leading Ladies” Jan. 17-Feb. 2, “Noises Off” March 14-30, “The Wizard of Oz” May 15-June 1 and “School of Rock” July 17-Aug. 3.
