"Spamalot," partially written by original Python Eric Idle, is Mel Brooks' "The Producers" taken to another level. For those who dont know the plot of the film, "Spamalot" covers the journey of King Arthur (Tim Curry) as he journeys to find the Holy Grail. Arthur, journeying with his servant Patsy (Michael McGrath) recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest. Along the way, we meet the Lady of the Lake (the amazing Sara Ramirez) and a host of other odd characters, including The French Taunter (Hank Azaria), Prince Herbert (Christian Borle) and Tim the Enchanter (Azaria again). Over it all comes the voice of God in the person of John Cleese.
As in the film, most of the actors play multiple roles, and the cult status that "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" has achieved only adds to "Spamalots" success. The show stays quite faithful to the film, so much so that as the famous scenes are approaching (such as the Brave Sir Robin song), you can hear the audience start to laugh in anticipation. "Spamalots" music is a mixture of new music as well as music from"Holy Grail," and "Life of Brian."
Directed by Mike Nichols, "Spamalot" is bound to be an instant hit when it reaches New York. Nichols infuses the show with a sense of wacky fun that never feels forced. The production design is impressive: Tim Hatley's set and costume design, complete with the trademark Python animation, serves as the perfect canvas for the show, and Hugh Vanstone's lighting completes the picture perfectly.
Curry, as King Arthur, David Hyde Pierce and Azaria (both playing multiple roles) are perfect, as are Borle, McGrath and Christopher Sieber. The real breakout performance in "Spamalot," however, is that of Ramirez, as the Lady of the Lake, et al. Her vocal and acting range are astonishing, and she is likely to get a lot of attention once the show opens in New York.
If you miss "Spamalot" in Chicago, its likely to run for quite a while in New York. Even if youve never seen "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," you should make it a point to see "Spamalot." And remember, "always look on the bright side of life."
Monday Jan 10, 2005 by Joseph Bowen, Center Stage.com
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THIS SHOW OR ANYTHING IN IT.
I am simply an obsessed fan
