BWW Reviews: Monty Python's SPAMALOT Splendidly Delivers Ham-a-Lot, Via Puns-a-Lot, Making Everyone Laugh-a-Lot!
By: Gil Kaan Aug. 01, 2015
Monty Python's Spamalot/lyrics by Eric Idle/music by Eric Idle & John Du Prez/directed by BT McNicholl/Hollywood Bowl/thru August 2, 2015
In their successful, crowd-pleasing annual tradition of producing a full-on musical in an unusually short period of rehearsal and prep time; Hollywood Bowl succeeds again with their most entertaining, head-shakingly pun-ny, visually stimulating production of Monty Python's Spamalot. Director BT McNicholl keeps his talented cast soft-shoe-ing, high kicking, horse-riding, sword lifting and just laugh-inducing at a steady, "can't catch my breath from laughing" pace. The Hollywood Bowl orchestra most ably led by conductor Todd Ellison provides strong support and accompaniment to the ample musicality put forth by the give-it-their-all performers. Billy Sprague Jr. and Scott Taylor's choreography (adapted and re-staged from the original by Casey Nicholaw) receives excellent execution from the entire cast of the leads (some not-known-for dancing) and the sure-footed chorus. Best show-stopping number, with the full pageantry of a Vegas extravaganza "Come with Me" smoothly morphes into a synchronized cheerleading routine. Very nice! Complemented by top-notch production elements (video projections, lights, easily changeable set pieces and crystal-clear amplification), the two hours are just a delicious feast for the eyes, as well as the ears.
Adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot imparts the slightly skewed tale of King Arthur and his search for the Holy Grail. With his trusted aide Patsy by his side, King Arthur (limmed by a game Craig Robinson) strives to gather an army to accompany him in performing some kingly deeds. Warwick Davis as Patsy manages to steal almost every scene he's in (especially in "I'm All Alone") via his spot-on comic timing. Davis takes centerstage leading the others in "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."
Having a hand in King Arthur's fate, The Lady of the Lake appears at the most opportune times. The incomparable Merle Dandridge knocks it out of the ballpark, er, the Bowl, as The Lady of the Lake with her incredible vocals, her jazzy scatting, her sexy growls, her comedic takes, and just her commanding stage presence. Her songs ("Come with Me," "The Song That Goes Like This," "Find Your Grail," and especially "Whatever Happened to My Part?" simply STUN! Brava Ms. Dandridge! Dandridge would be perfect for a bio role of Lena Horne or Whitney Houston. Would love to hear what she would do with Dreamgirls' "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going."
And in the custom of the Bowl musical, a performer better known for their acting chops, gets to surprise the audience with their singing and dancing skills. Past surprises include Modern Family's Sarah Hyland and Benjamin Walker from Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in 2011's Hair. This year that performer has to be Christian Slater as Sir Dennis Galahad who shows off his strong vocals in his duet with Dandridge ("The Song That Goes Like This"), and his nimble stepping in "All for One."
Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson exhibits the comedic skills that got him five Emmy nominations as Sir Robin, the fighting-adverse knight. Ferguson's song and dance proficiency gets a wonderful showcase in "You Won't Succeed on Broadway."
Tom Deckman's too funny in his roles of Not Dead Fred ("I Am Not Dead Yet") and the not quite princely Prince Herbert ("Where Are You?"). Rick Holmes as Sir Lancelot in a scene of total misunderstanding with Prince Herbert and his father (Slater) gets the opportunity to emote from concerned seriousness to shocked confusion to flamboyant realization, all leading into the hysterical disco set piece "His Name is Lancelot." Holmes also nails the roles of French Taunter and Knight of Ni with his bull-eyed comedic delivery.
Kevin Chamberlin provides strong support in eliciting laughs as Sir Bedevere, Galahad's Mother and Concorde the horse.
Eric Idle, one of the original members of Monty Python and writer, lyricist and co-composer of Spamalot, effortlessly takes on the role of Historian (introducing the show) while Monty Python's Michael Palin makes a video appearance as God (setting King Arthur straight). These characters fit these two like a glove, as if these roles were written especially for them. Hmmm??? Makes you want to applaud. A. Lot!
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