Monty Python is coming to Riverland Community College, sort of.

Theater Director Lindsey Duoos Williams announced the schedule for the Summerset Theatre’s upcoming 46th season of performing at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College’s Austin campus.

The season will conclude with the first-ever performance of Monty Python’s “Spamalot.” The season will also include “I Do! I Do!” and “Steel Magnolias.”

The Summerset Theatre tradition will feature a first this year, as Summerset and Riverland will launch a new online ticketing system. Audience members will be able to purchase tickets at any time online at www.summersetaustin.org.

“We are so excited to launch our online ticketing system this summer. There’s been a real demand for it from our patrons, and I think it will make Summerset tickets more accessible to everyone,” Williams said in a press release.

The online ticketing system allows customers to pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Customers will also now be able to purchase tickets by credit card in person at the box office and over the phone.

 

‘I Do! I Do!’

The season opens June 11 with “I Do! I Do!,” a musical with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt based on “The Fourposter” by Jan de Hartog. The story follows the couple of Michael and Agnes as they navigate the perils of married life together from their wedding day vows to their 50th anniversary. “I Do! I Do!” runs June 11 to 15 and is appropriate for all ages. David Dahlquist is directing.

 

‘Steal Magnolias’

Following “I Do! I Do!” will be “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling, running July 9 to 13. The play tells the story of family and friendship in a unique Southern sisterhood, and it is a skillfully crafted portrayal of eccentricity, loyalty and love set in a small-town beauty parlor with a mix of laughter and tears. This play is appropriate for all ages. Randy Forster will direct.

 

‘Spamalot’

The season comes to a close with Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” with book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The Tony Award-winning Broadway hit finally makes its Spamtown, U.S.A., debut. “Spamalot” retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table in a show that features beautiful show girls, flying cows, killer rabbits, French people and, of course, plenty of everyone’s favorite canned ham. Monty Python’s “Spamalot” runs Aug. 1 to 10 and is recommended for ages 12 and older. This production is sponsored by the Austin Area Foundation. Williams will direct.

In addition to the regular Monty Python’s “Spamalot” performances, a special performance will be held on July 31 for the annual “Night Under the Stars” fundraiser. This event raises scholarship funds for Riverland Theatre and Music students, and includes hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and special guest entertainment in addition to a preview performance of “Spamalot.” Tickets are $50 per person.

 

Auditions

Auditions for all three of the Summerset Theatre’s 2013 productions will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 and from 6 to 9 p.m. May 7 at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre. Participants can attend either date. A diverse range of roles are available for actors, singers and dancers of all types, ages, ethnicities and skill levels. Summerset Theatre is open to all community members who wish to participate.

 

Tickets

Season passes for Summerset Theatre’s 2013 season are $37 and are on sale through June 15. To purchase a season ticket or to receive more information, call the Summerset Theatre Box Office at 507-433-0595, email boxoffice@riverland.edu, or purchase tickets online and view the brochure at www.summersetaustin.org.

Individual tickets to all three shows go on sale May 28 and are available at the box office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performances. The tickets are also available online.

Individual ticket prices for “I Do! I Do!” and Monty Python’s “Spamalot” are $15, and “Steel Magnolias” tickets are $12. Students age 16 and under receive a discounted ticket price of $10 for the musicals and $8 for plays. Curtain time for all shows is 7:30 p.m.