The Broadway revival of Spamalot, is good-natured fun, provoking a steady stream of titters, cackles, and guffaws from audience members. While the production loses its steam by show’s end, it still provides a generous dollop of pizazz and show business know how.
Based on the film, The Holy Grail, by the British comedic
troupe, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the show is part book musical and
part Las Vegas revue, courtesy of original Python member Eric Idle who
co-wrote the score (with lyrics by John Du Prez) and its libretto.
The story revolves around King Arthur’s search for individuals to
join the Knights of the Roundtable and then shifts to their quest to
find The Holy Grail. Idle made sure to include memorable, fan favorite
bits from the movie including the taunting French soldier and the Trojan
Rabbit, the Knights Who Say “Ni!,” the deranged Black Knight, and the
killer rabbit. He also added a character not from the film, the Lady of
the Lake (Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer). Her link to the shenanigans is
based solely on how she bestowed to Arthur his enchanted sword.
Otherwise, in a very amusing, scenery-chewing performance, Ms. Kritzer
resurfaces every so often to moan and complain about her role in the
show.
The cast is filled with seasoned comic performers. They include
Christopher Fitzgerald as King Arthur’s manservant, Patsy; Tara Killam
as the macho Sir Lancelot; Ethan Slater in a variety of quirky, humorous
roles; Jimmy Smagula as the bumbling Sir Bedevere, Michael Urie as the
perpetually frightened Sir Robin; and Nik Walker as the self-centered
Sir Galahad. James Monroe Inglehart, stoic and straightforward as King
Arthur, is the glue that holds the production together. His forthright
portrayal keeps the show on task.
The score by Eric Idle and John Du Prez is full of fun-filled tunes
including the silly “I Am Not Dead Yet;” the hyper-emoting of “The Song
That Goes Like This;” the sweetly melodic “Always Look at the Bright
Side of Life;” and the big production number, “You Won’t Succeed on
Broadway.” While not the most sophisticated group of songs, many stay
with you long after you leave the theater.
Director/Choreographer Josh Rhodes allows his acting troupe a wide
berth as they delve into their comedic roles. Scenes are performed with
precision and never overstay their welcome. He incorporates some wild
choreographic numbers including “Knights of the Round Table” and “You
Won’t Succeed on Broadway.” My only complaint by the latter song is
Rhodes tries to milk it a tad too much.
The Scenic Design by Paul Tate DePoo III is whimsical and varied.
His towering projections, in the style of Monty Python member Terry
Gilliam, also pay homage to the film. Cory Pattak provides a flashy
Lighting Design. The Costume Designs by Jen Caprio are imaginative and
playful.
Spamalot, yucking it up for a new generation of Python (and not so Python) enthusiasts at the St. James Theater.
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