So before I begin, let me just state for the record THIS IS NOT A REVIEW!!! "Monty Python's Spamalot" is still in previews and not open for official reviews. The show could go through many different changes before it makes its official debut on Broadway in February. All that being said, it is AWESOME!!! Some friends of mine went up to Chicago last week to see this highly anticipated musical. I was excited, but tread lightly. I didn't want to get my hopes up only to find something else that didn't live up to the hype. I am a pretty big Monty Python fan and I think that "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is pure genius. So, let’s just say without working myself up too much, I was already expecting greatness.
My only reservation was out of all of the Python alum, Eric Idle is not my favorite. I find Idle’s stuff almost too sophomoric and sometimes not funny at all. Idle is the driving force behind “Spamalot” and while the rest of the surviving members of Python have given their blessing, this is his baby.
I am not going to get into too many details, because a) I don’t want to get sued and b) I don’t want to ruin it for you, but let me say this, the show spares no expense for a good joke. There are still some rough patches, but I am sure those will be cleared out before the real run. The best part about the show is that not only does it take the best parts of “Grail” and use them in the show, but it also manages to make fun of the musical genre along the way.
Tim Curry as King Arthur is adequate for the role. He seems to be still trying to get his stage legs back and I sure that will come in time. However, the role of King Arthur is the straight man of the play and Curry does a good job of rolling his eyes at the right moments. David Hyde Pierce is excellent and has one of the funnier big production numbers in the play. Hank Azaria is fantastic in numerous of roles. Most of his are the old John Cleese roles and he handles them beautifully. While the men are great, the literal diamond in the rough is Sara Ramirez. She plays several different parts, but mainly the Lady in the Lake. She has some great numbers, a good voice and is overall a joy to watch.
So, bottom line, if you have the opportunity to see this show, go SEE IT!!! I have no doubt it will win a lot of awards and meet much of the same acclaim that “The Producers” did last year. And so I end with the predictable pun, go eat some Spam.
2 comments:
I'm not commenting on this blog, but on the book...what do you think of Phillip Roth? I read The Human Stain for my book club...not sure. Just wondered...I mean obviously you like him, but I am not sure I would be willing to read another one by him, unless its supposed to be really good. I am reading Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins and its very good!
Well, to be honest, I am still in the reading phase, about 3/4 of the way through. However, what I have read is cool. I like historical fiction, so if that isn't your bag you might not like it. It basically looks at what could have happened if Lindbergh ran for president and beat FDR before WWII. I haven't read any other Roth, so I don't have anything for comparison.
Post a Comment