ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Three Aberdeen Proving Ground employees are having entirely too much fun on weekends thanks to their love of theater as well as a good laugh. Mark Gallihue, a cultural resources manager with the Directorate of Public Works, Joe Weinhoffer, a computer scientist with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, and Stan Zacker, an engineering contractor with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory are all acting (up) in the Tidewater Players production of Monty Python's "Spamalot," presented at the Community Theater of Havre de Grace.
The play, described as a "new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" features a large cast having fun in nonsensical scenes. The name Spamalot -- a play on the name, Camelot -- let's people know they're in for a good time, according to Gallihue, who plays Sir Not Appearing, if that's any indication.
Weinhoffer and Zacker play Minstrels and Zacker doubles as Sir Bors. The ensemble members undergo several costume changes. Gallihue said he changes costumes 13 times.
"I tell people if you don't see me on stage, it's because I'm changing costumes," he smiled.
"Spamalot is Gallihue's second outing with the theater group production though his children, daughter Taylor, 14 and son Liam, 11, have been involved in children productions for years.
"We've seen pretty much all of their shows," he said. "There's very little you can compare it [live performance shows] to when it comes to entertainment."
He added that the show was simply fun to do.
"If you're familiar with Monty Python comedies you know it doesn't have to have a huge plot. It's comedy to the point of silliness, but incredibly funny and fun to be a part of."
Weinhoffer said he began working with the group a year ago as a volunteer computer technician on the spring production.
"I was so impressed by the professional quality of the performances and talent of the actors that I knew I wanted to be involved," he said.
Since then he's played Rocky in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and IQ, one of the Council Kids in the play "Hairspray." Despite having no music theater experience, Weinhoffer said the cast and production staff was supportive, welcoming and fun to work with.
"Over the course of these three shows I have learned an incredible amount, and can thank the people I have met through Tidewater for infecting me with the extremely contagious "theater bug,"" he said, adding "Spamalot" has been a "hilariously amazing show" to be a part of.
"It's a thrill to perform onstage for a live audience, and a great way to give back to the community by providing entertainment for a few hours," he said.
Zacker said that while he was interested in previous productions, "Spamalot" was his first show opportunity to perform with the Tidewater Players. Also an actor with the Milburn Stone Theater at Cecil College, Zacker said he was happy to be available for Spamalot.
"I'm glad that this time I had the availability to do Spamalot since I love Monty Python," he said. "The randomness of Monty Python is what makes it so funny since you're just wondering what gags are going to come next."
Zacker also helped with set building, painting, and lighting.
He credits talented and fun-loving fellow actors and the professionalism of the show's directors, choreographer and technicians with making the production an overall fun project.
"There are ad lib moments in the show which wouldn't be possible without the creativity that everybody has," he said. "People see what's happening on stage, but [they] don't realize the craziness happening behind the scenes. Without this core group, the show would fall apart."
"[I'm] looking forward to the next season of shows at Tidewater," he added. "It's great to perform and make people smile and laugh."
Spamalot concludes this weekend with three shows, Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m.
For more information, visit http://tidewaterplayers.com/.
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