This coming weekend, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” will be premiering at Richland Community College. For those who know and love the work of Monty Python, this is a must-see; for those who don’t, this is a great way to be introduced to his world. This production is being co-produced by Theatre 7, the Decatur community theater, and Richland Community College.

Usually this large of a production is not done in the Decatur area, but the collaboration of these two groups has brought this opportunity. There has already been major promotion put into this show. It began during Decatur’s summer festival, where members of Theatre 7 and RCC dressed up as knights, participated in a parade and took pictures with many community members. More on this can be found on their Youtube channel “RCCDecaturIL” in the video “Spamalot Spotlight.” All promotion for this show is not only to draw in an audience, it is to help continue bringing in bigger shows. “Spamalot” is going to prove that big shows are something worth doing in this community.

Other than this being a great opportunity for the community, “Spamalot” also promises to be a hilarious show. There are even some Millikin faculty who are part of the cast. One of these people is Tony Magagna. He had never participated in a show before, but the fact that the show was from Monty Python drew him in. Magagna was also inspired to join by the many theater students he has had over the years. While he might not be a dancer in the entire show like Julialicia Case, Magagna has many small roles throughout “Spamalot.”

When asked about the show, Magagna had a lot of intriguing information to share. The general plot of the show is similar to “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” but there are a lot of other “Python-esque” things involved. Some of these things come from Monty Python’s “The Life of Brian.” There are characters mixed in from different stories, the knights are recruited into King Arthur’s court, there is tap dancing and more. This show is definitely a comedy that not only makes fun of Broadway, but makes fun of itself. Magagna described the show as a satire that many people will enjoy.

Magagna said, “The show contains all of the best parts plus extra.” This includes iconic parts of the show like the black knight, the killer rabbit, the Holy Hand Grenade and a song called ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.’” With rehearsal starting right before the new semester began, the show has come a long way. This is because of all of the energy and focus the cast members and the band have put in to making a memorable experience for the audience.

With a talented cast of around 40 people that are aged from high school age to 70 years old, this is a show not to miss. “Spamalot” runs Oct. 17-19 and 24-26 at Richland Community College. Those staying on campus for fall break should considering going during the first few shows. It would be a great way to get off campus and have fun. However, there is a special student show on Oct. 23. This showing of “Spamalot” will be free for people with student IDs; seating is on a first come first serve basis, so arrive early. Everyone should try to make it out to this comedy, and for all of you Monty Python lovers, don’t worry, there will be coconuts!