Thursday, May 28, 2009

Grapevine’s British Emporium to hold 3rd annual Monty Python Festival

By Pegasus News wire

Generally most running or walking styles will be allowed, within reason.

The British Emporium, in partnership with the City of Grapevine, presents the 3rd annual "Monty Python Madness" Charity Festival in Grapevine, Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, with six live comedy Tribute shows at The Palace Theatre Arts Center starting on July 16th.

"This year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Monty Python's Flying Circus," said British Emporium co-owner Sheela Kadam. "Dallas and Fort Worth were the first cities in this country to discover Monty Python, and Grapevine is home to many Python fans!" The classic comedy was first aired on local PBS station KERA Channel 13 in 1974.

Events cover the gamut from Live Python Tribute Show at Grapevine's historic Palace Arts Center, to a half-mile Sponsored "Silly Walk Up Main Street", to "Very Silly Events At The Emporium" including The Argument Clinic ($5 per argument); Fish-Slapping; Live Skits At The Counter; Have-Your-Picture-Taken-With-A-Viking; Costume Competition; Spam Cooking Contest and Mr Gumby's Flower Arranging Demo.

Proceeds from the weekend activities raise funds for the non-profit 501(c)3 Joey Wilkins Foundation. The Joey Wilkins Foundation was founded in 1999 as a result of an accident that left an employee of the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau partially paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. Since its inception the Foundation has invested over $250,000 in home remodeling and transportation to help individuals recently paralyzed due to spinal cord injury continue to live productive lives of independence.

Bill Fountain, award winning local Director of this year's live Python Tribute show said: "The Python's legacy has endured because it truly gives the audience a chance to laugh at something incredibly silly. Most of the time, we don't get a chance or the comfort level to laugh at something that is funny just because it's really funny. And let's face it, with some of the current problems in the world, we could all use a tremendously silly laugh now and again."

Schedule of Events for Monty Python Madness (all events at the British Emporium unless otherwise noted with donation for participation):

Monty Python Madness Live Tribute Show, July 16 - July 31 at the Palace Arts Center. Bill Fountain directs a sidesplitting revue recreating the best sketches from the beloved TV series. Produced by Sheela Kadam & Alexandra Evans. Tickets will be available from The Palace Arts Center.

Source: The British Emporium

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