Winner of Walk-on Role Finds New Appreciation for Theatre
Friday, October 23rd, 2009Chris Lonsbury won the walk-on role for Monty Python’s Spamalot as part of an ebay auction, with proceeds benefitting Angels’ Night 2009. For more information about Angels’ Night 2009, click here.
A walk-on role in Spamalot was the best Father’s Day present I’ve ever received. It will forever elevate my appreciation of live theatre.
We arrived the day prior to my scheduled walk-on for a fitting. After a whirlwind of introductions I was whisked off to Costumes where it was determined that I should be The French Painter. My role was to join the French Citizens who file out of the castle to examine the “Trojan Rabbit” left by King Arthur and his followers after the French Taunters have verbally abused and denied entry to our heroes. On the first evening of introduction, I was already mesmerized by the orchestrations visible from the wings, and full of questions for all whom I met.
The pace and choreography of Monty Python’s Spamalot takes both athleticism and precision. Whether wielding swords, herring or “arms for the poor” the actors are often only inches away from each other. I was also struck by just how much manpower it takes to put on a show. A black-dressed army of technicians behind the scenes help to keep knights, peasants and showgirls bounding across the stage in ever-changing costumes, settings and lights. From the outset, I was often greeted with friendly and encouraging words from the cast and crew. It occurred to me that I was surrounded by a group of people who truly loved what they were doing and enjoyed the people with whom they worked.
As the appointed time for my appearance approached, I took my position with the other actors in front of the gigantic wooden rabbit on wheels. I was right in front of the audience! I was supposed to just react to the words of the other players as they speculated about the rabbit. The third theory was to be demonstrated by The Mime. This time, however, he first came over to look at my painting. I showed it to him and he wobbled his hand as if to say “so-so” to the laughter of the audience. I affected disapproval and put up my nose. I’ll forever say that I got a few laughs, but it may have just been my friends and family in the fifth row.
I was greeted with backslaps and congratulations off stage. The fellow who usually played the part said with a smile, “Hey, he got to do more than I do!” and then laughed. Everyone asked how I liked it, but the answer was obvious – I was beaming from ear to ear. Having passed the test, I was told that I could do another walk-on added to the first scene in the second act. In it, I would follow the Knights of Ni, trying to paint them, as they exited.
During the curtain call, the cast waved me out to experience the cheers and gratitude of the audience. It was at that moment that I felt the consummate joy of the acting profession. I could hear the clapping and cheers of hundreds, though I could barely see a soul because of the lights in my eyes. For me, appearing on stage that night was a small and silent part, but it spoke volumes in my mind about this wonderful pursuit called theatre.
A play is the most intimate of the performing arts. Whether on the stage or behind it, there is one goal – deliver a story through acting and song to a live audience, and if successful they shall think, cry, or laugh. Until this performance I had merely been a willing accomplice to my wife’s greater passion, so I cannot say that I came to the Ahmanson as a doting fanatic of musicals, of Monty Python or of the actors who played that night. But I am now.
Photo Caption & Credit:
Chris Lonsbury speaks with Christopher Gurr, cast member of Monty Python’s Spamalot, before his walk-on role. Photo by Luminary Photo
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