xargon
2005-01-16 19:52:35 UTC
<also posted to the Arthurnet listserv>
Being fortunate enough to live just 7 hours by car from Chicago, I took
the trip down on Wednesday to see Spamalot. I was expecting a funny show,
but I was still blown away by the overall quality of the production and
script. The show is headed to New York Broadway in just a few months,
giving those of you in that part of the US a chance to catch it. The show
is as much a satire of musical theatre as it is an Arthurian parody,
giving it a wide audience appeal. Highly recommended to all. Below are
my specific observations about the show; I've kept them separate since
they contain spoilers (just in case someone wants to be 'surprised' when
they see the show).
Tim Curry does a remarkable job as Arthur, particularly for the atmosphere
of this show. Whereas in Monty Python's film Arthur is rather serious
about everything, Curry acts a bit more playful toward the other
characters. David Hyde Pierce and Hank Azaria did a wonderful job as well
(along with the rest of the cast). Costuming was particularly
entertaining, as everything (_especially_ Arthur and Patsy) was identical
to that of the film--coconuts and everything.
The show seemed to have more pop culture references than Arthurian satire
(compared to the movie), although many scenes were simply lifted verbatim
from Monty Python's script. The Lady of the Lake (Sara Ramirez) is given
a substantial part, mostly for the purpose of satiring the concept of
musicals (with songs such as "The Song That Goes Like This" and "The
Diva's Lament"). And, keeping with the style of the film's ending (where
they realize they're in a movie), the show ends with the realization
they're on Broadway. I won't ruin the ending completely, but suffice it
to say the show fulfills the stereotypical Broadway musical happy finale.
And, to please Monty Python fans, there are a number of references to
famous bits of "The Flying Circus." Somehow, they managed to sneak in the
Fish Slapping Dance as well as an Arthurian rendition of "Always Look on
the Bright Side of Life."
The show is full of countless surprises one after another. I was laughing
nonstop, even though I've seen the movie countless times. Arthurian fans
will not be disappointed, nor will patrons of musical theatre. And if
you're both, like me, you'll try and figure out a way to see it again.
Being fortunate enough to live just 7 hours by car from Chicago, I took
the trip down on Wednesday to see Spamalot. I was expecting a funny show,
but I was still blown away by the overall quality of the production and
script. The show is headed to New York Broadway in just a few months,
giving those of you in that part of the US a chance to catch it. The show
is as much a satire of musical theatre as it is an Arthurian parody,
giving it a wide audience appeal. Highly recommended to all. Below are
my specific observations about the show; I've kept them separate since
they contain spoilers (just in case someone wants to be 'surprised' when
they see the show).
Tim Curry does a remarkable job as Arthur, particularly for the atmosphere
of this show. Whereas in Monty Python's film Arthur is rather serious
about everything, Curry acts a bit more playful toward the other
characters. David Hyde Pierce and Hank Azaria did a wonderful job as well
(along with the rest of the cast). Costuming was particularly
entertaining, as everything (_especially_ Arthur and Patsy) was identical
to that of the film--coconuts and everything.
The show seemed to have more pop culture references than Arthurian satire
(compared to the movie), although many scenes were simply lifted verbatim
from Monty Python's script. The Lady of the Lake (Sara Ramirez) is given
a substantial part, mostly for the purpose of satiring the concept of
musicals (with songs such as "The Song That Goes Like This" and "The
Diva's Lament"). And, keeping with the style of the film's ending (where
they realize they're in a movie), the show ends with the realization
they're on Broadway. I won't ruin the ending completely, but suffice it
to say the show fulfills the stereotypical Broadway musical happy finale.
And, to please Monty Python fans, there are a number of references to
famous bits of "The Flying Circus." Somehow, they managed to sneak in the
Fish Slapping Dance as well as an Arthurian rendition of "Always Look on
the Bright Side of Life."
The show is full of countless surprises one after another. I was laughing
nonstop, even though I've seen the movie countless times. Arthurian fans
will not be disappointed, nor will patrons of musical theatre. And if
you're both, like me, you'll try and figure out a way to see it again.