The Journal

Issue date: 10/26/06 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Joan Marcus Left to right: David Turner as Sir Robin, Rick Holmes as Sir Lancelot, Bradley Dean as Sir Dennis Galahad, Christopher Gurr as Sir Bedevere and Michael Siberry as King Arthur in the national tour of Monty Python's 'Spamalot.' Gurr, a Webster alumnus and an occasional Webster professor, can be seen when 'Spamalot' opens Oct. 31 at the Fox Theatre.

Actor and Webster alumnus Christopher Gurr enjoyed a brief respite Oct. 19 after celebrating the 250th performance of "Spamalot," the musical adaptation of British comedy troupe Monty Python's "The Holy Grail." Gurr has spent the last eight months traveling nationwide, performing in the musical. Despite a grueling tour schedule, Gurr described his involvement in the production as "fun and gratifying."

"Spamalot" is an irreverent parody of the legend of King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail. The musical features a chorus line of dancing damsels, a flatulent Frenchman and a one-legged knight.

"Applause and laughter are great things," Gurr said. "And 'Spamalot' is a play full of joy, fun and jokes."
Budding actor and student

Gurr said he can't remember a time when he wasn't interested in theater. He began performing at age six when his father, a university professor, cast him in an operetta, a miniature opera. Lauded for his role, Gurr chose to continue acting and eventually pursued a career in theater. He graduated from Webster's Conservatory of Theatre Arts in 1989.
Teacher and director

In 2005, Gurr returned to Webster as both a teacher and director. He instructed Conservatory classes, including courses about acting dialect, Shakespeare, Shaw and the Restoration. He also directed three Conservatory productions, "Heartbreak House," "Nine" and "Into the Woods."

"When you act, you make your own art," Gurr said. "But when you direct or teach, you quiz others about how they make their art."

Gurr said he prefers to be involved with a medley of activities and is unhappy doing one thing for too long.

"Choreographing and directing are often lonely jobs," Gurr said. "Sometimes I find myself missing the hub of the classroom."

Continued...

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