MV's knights of the round table MV's knights of the round table (March 18, 2005)

Faculty recreates 'Holy Grail'

By Allison Gerard

Mayor Matt Neely singing and dancing, Principal Pat Hyland back on a Harley, the Monty Python -- all this craziness has to mean it's time for the Mountain View High School faculty play. That's right, opening night is March 24, and the audience will be treated to history teacher Tim Farrell's adaption of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

Farrell promises that all the blasphemy, risque jokes and violence of the original version have been cut.

"As I adapted the script, I wanted the humor to be accessible to even a general community member," he said.

Despite the editing, the "Search for the Wholly Grail: A Quest of Test Obsession" does retain all of the zany characters and the King Arthur storyline. The play also includes commentary from teachers on California's governor, his State of the State address, and basic schooling and testing issues.

"As much as it's a wacky comedy, there are also some messages contained within about education and testing," Farrell said.

Farrell said he is loosely basing the play on Monty Python because the group is not only one of his favorites but also popular with students.

The faculty's fourth play, part of a series staged every other year, covers education topics such as state testing but also offers humor for all entire audience members, even those not familiar with Monty Python's work.

Audience members can also look forward to an appearance by "The Arnold." Farrell's father, Tim Farrell, Sr., is playing the governor and is expected to have audience members rolling in the aisle with laughter.

The money raised through ticket sales will go to various student funds, including the theater program, which will use the money to buy equipment. Two years ago, tickets to the faculty play sold out.

When Farrell was asked what people can expect to take away from this play, he said "a really big smile."

The play starts at 8 p.m. on March 24, 25 and 26. Tickets are $5 for students and kids and $10 for adults. Advance ticket sales are available from the bookkeeper at Mountain View High School and can be picked up at will call.

E-mail Allison Gerard at agerard@mv-voice.com

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