Having the opportunity to make someone laugh is important for Chris Collins-Pisano.
"I always enjoy making people laugh on stage," said Collins-Pisano. And he's doing just that in a royal way and "having a blast" as a performer in the touring production of "Monty Python's Spamalot."
"Spamalot" continues to May 31 at CIBC Theatre in Chicago. Collins-Pisano said it's exciting touring with the popular show in which he takes on the multi roles of Sir Lancelot, The French Taunter, Knight of Ni and Tim the Enchanter.
"I feel very lucky to be able to do this," said Collins-Pisano, who has been interested in the arts since he was a child.
"Working on this show is so fantastic," he said, adding it's great to be a part of a production with such superb writing.
""It's a great style of comedy," he said. Collins-Pisano said the humor and witty writing of Eric Idle and the Monty Python guys can't be beat and has held up through the decades.
He added, "I've been a Monty Python fan since I was in middle school."
Collins-Pisano said Chicago's CIBC Theatre is an ideal place to perform "Spamalot."
"The theater size itself is the perfect place for 'Spamalot.' The audience is right there and you get to hear them (respond). It's so cool," the actor said.
One of the challenges of Collins-Pisano's performance in "Spamalot" is the fact that since he performs as multiple characters, he must speak in various voices.
"There's a lot of speaking and a lot of different voices," he said, adding that maintaining and sustaining his voice for the duration of a series of performances can sometimes be tricky. But he's always up for that challenge especially when working with material so special.
Collins-Pisano said "Spamalot" appeals to many people.
Actor Chris Collins-Pisano as the Knight of Ni in "Spamalot" which continues to May 31 at CIBC Theatre. Provided photo.
"It's so cool. Monty Python fans like it. People who like the idea of the quest for the Holy Grail like it and other people like the Monty Python movie," he said. So, there's often a mix of audience members who are there for different reasons and are all enjoying the show.
"I think the show carries a great lesson and has so much heart," Collins-Pisano said. He believes the message of "always look on the bright side of life," which is one of the show's hit songs, is a great one.
"Times are hard right now. Things are tough and there's so much going on. If you can take out two hours of your day and laugh and be silly, that's a good thing," the actor said.
FYI: "Spamalot" continues to May 31 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are $35 to $135. Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.