Review: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at the Fox Theatre

As an avowed Monty Python fan, it was with much anticipation that I looked forward to finally getting the opportunity to see Spamalot. Unfortunately, this hodgepodge of scenes cobbled from the cult film (although admittedly, it is a very large cult) Monty Python and the Holy Grail, failed to fully engage me. In fact, it's the additional elements that book writer and Python member Eric Idle includes, along with a couple of fresh songs he's written with frequent collaborator John Du Prez, that really standout in this dubious homage. But, a game cast put on a fine display nonetheless at the Fox Theatre this past weekend (January 7-9, 2011).

Spamalot takes the basic plot of the film, with King Arthur assembling his Knights of the Round Table and leading them on a quest for the holy grail, and actually gives it an ending, something missing from the movie, which ends rather abruptly. As the story unfolds, a number of familiar scenes (at least to fans) are intertwined with numbers and bits that poke fun at formulaic musicals, with the highlight arriving early in the show as Sir Galahad and the Lady of the Lake belt out "The Song That Goes Like This". But, it's this steady reliance on the old favorites that actually slows down the show's momentum.

Steve McCoy is certainly a stalwart and capable King Arthur, but he's overshadowed by his companion Patsy, who's played with particular gusto by Glenn Giron. Martin Glyer injects life into the role of the cowardly Sir Robin, and Jacob Smith is properly vainglorious in the re-imagined part of Galahad. Adam Grabau, like several of the actors, takes on a number of roles, and though he's sharp as the sexually confused Lancelot, he's at his best as the officious French taunter. Matt Ban is effective as Sir Belvedere, and John Garry is memorable as the fey Prince Herbert. Thomas DeMarcus also contributes nicely as the historian who narrates the tale, and as Brother Maynard of "holy hand grenade" fame.

But, it's Caroline Bowman's over the top performance as the Lady of the Lake that really lifts this show out of its doldrums. Her sassy attitude combined with her diva-like vocal chops really adds something special to the proceedings, and it's a shame that her number, "The Diva's Lament", actually rings true, when it's supposed to just be a gag.

BT McNicholl re-recreates the original direction of Mike Nichols for this touring production, but since I haven't seen the version Nichols directed, I can only say that it's nicely paced and filled with goofy gags that sometimes hit their mark with authority, but too often fall flat. And the same can be said for Scott Taylor's re-creation of the original choreography by Casey Nicholaw. Mike Baldassari's lighting brings out the Vegas atmosphere intended, and James Kronzer's scenery is colorful and cartoonish, which also fits the mood.

I'm not exactly sure why the so-called "seventh Python", Neil Innes, isn't mentioned anywhere in the program since the former/current Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band and Rutles member is credited in the original movie script and credits with creating the music for "Knights of the Round Table" and "Brave Sir Robin" (that's him singing it as one of Robin's minstrels in the movie).

Fans of Python who enjoy re-visiting the familiar may well enjoy the spectacle that is Spamalot, and there are a number of entertaining moments and laughs, but it all just seems a bit crass and unappealing in execution to me.

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