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Theater Reviews
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"Spamalot"
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MARCH 18TH, 2005
"Spamalot"
opened on Broadway Thursday night. The musical version of the famed
film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is a send up of King Arthur and
his knights of Camelot. NY1 Theatre Critic Roma Torre filed this review.
"Spamalot" could easily be re-titled "Spoofalot." Broadway
classics, stage legends, the movies, even itself, are all sent up by
its brilliant team of comic collaborators.
Based on the cult 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” it
owes as much to Mel Brooks’ musical version of "The Producers,"
borrowing heavily from its enormous bag of shticks. The jokes fly fast
and furious. Many land, some don't. It, of course, depends on your
sense of humor, but even those with a sliver of funny bone will laugh
quite a lot at “Spamalot.”
Fans of the film will be in Python heaven. All the routines are
there: The legless knight; killer rabbit; clopping coconuts;
catapulting cows; the taunting Frenchmen; the Knights of Ni. But
there's so much more, and that's why this show is bound to have
crossover appeal.
With much credit to director Mike Nichols, who's lent his creative
genius to the production, it's tremendously theatrical. All of the
stage's conventions are targeted, and the spoofs are just about as good
as, and some even better, than the source.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Les Miz, Sondheim, Fiddler, stage divas -
nothing's sacred. But mostly you'll recognize the influence of "The
Producers" in all its silly, sexy, witty, crass glory.
Monty Python great Eric Idle, who wrote the book and lyrics,
maintains the film's inimitable irreverence, though his attempt to add
a unifying plot is pretty lame. And along with composer John DuPrez,
they leave no note unturned in their quest to eviscerate the classics
of musical theatre.
The entire ensemble is outstanding, expert at deadpanning the most
hysterical routines. As King Arthur, Tim Curry - back on Broadway after
a far too long absence - is a Holy Grail of talent. "Frazier's" David
Hyde Pierce playing the cowardly knight Sir Robin is as good a song and
dance man as he is a comedian, and that's very high praise. Hank Azaria
as Sir Lancelot, who likes to dance a lot, is a sensational character
actor.
But almost impossibly, upstaging all is Sara Ramirez delivering a
magnificent supporting performance as the Lady of the Lake. Thanks to
her, "Spamalot" is elevated beyond comedy. It becomes a showcase for
her most ample and versatile talents, and when she sings of having no
Tony awards, that is likely to be her one and only false note.
For all its hilarity, "Spamalot" is still no "Producers," and at
two hours 15 minutes, it's about 15 minutes too long for a show that is
a glorified "Forbidden Broadway" at heart.
Still, it is a comedy triumph that aims both high and low, and if
you're inclined to its humor, run - don't silly walk - to the box
office. Tickets are flying like cows from the castle.
- Roma Torre |
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