These guys are the bright side of life
Spamalot is Great Fun, Even for Non-Musical Types
By J. Gelband, 10-30-07
If you had asked me yesterday whether or not I liked Broadway musicals, I would have answered with a thumbs down and a “ptthhhbt.”
Ask me tonight and I will tell you that there is at least one I like: Spamalot.
Musicals are a difficult genre to embrace because they are campy – the singing, the melodrama, the chorus, the lipstick visible from back of the house. Interestingly, all that festive, giddy overacting is probably what musical buffs appreciate. But a biting comedy like Spamalot might be creative and humorous enough to overlook the corniness and turn even eyebrow raisers into fans of the Broadway musical.
Spamalot, which is “lovingly ripped off” from the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” opened in Boise today as part of the production’s first national tour.
The Velma V. Morrison Performing Arts Center was full – apparently of Monty Python fans who whooped and came alive during the first nanoseconds of each song. Many even sang along.
The play is the ridiculously comical adaptation of King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail. He collects a handful of zany knights and sets off on his journey, only to be met by the Lady of the Lake, some French pervs, a homosexual he-damsel, a killer rabbit, and a black knight and his troops in the Very Expensive Forest.
The set was top notch – bright, dynamic and ever-changing. The actors were aces in submitting their precise comedic lines. And the songs, which, even to those unfamiliar with the Monty Python TV shows and films, are catchy, recognizable numbers that I overheard people humming when piling out of the theater after the show (eg. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” and “The Song That Goes Like This.”)
The best part about Spamalot is the dialogue, even in the songs. It is sharp as nails, irreverent and bursting with pop culture references as current as Britney Spears’ turmoil.
I’m not going to run out to see Phantom of the Opera or Sweet Charity anytime soon, but thanks to Spamalot, I can no longer make blanket statements that I dislike musicals.
The show runs through Saturday, Nov. 3. Tickets are $45-$68, and worth it. Especially if you are sitting in seat D1.
Agreed. It was a wonderful production, full of campy and irreverant humor. I'm glad I went.
Comment By Clancy, 10-31-07I am going on Friday night. Should be fun
Comment By Jill Kuraitis, 10-31-07It was a panic. Laughed myself into lung paralysis and had to be whacked on the back. Take a man; it may be the only musical they'll ever like, and they'll love Spamalot.
Comment By Wendell, 11-02-07Thank goodness you said "may be" Jill, because as a man who happens to be president of Boise's SGMT (Straight Guys for Musical Theater) I was almost offended. There are plenty of musicals out there that any real man would love: Guys and Cars, Joseph and the Amazing Weber S-640 Stainless Steel Propane Grill, Cats, etc. By the way, for any straight guys interested, SGMT meets Saturday afternoons in the Student Center at Boise Bible College on Marigold.
Comment By Jan Zarr - Executive Director, Morriosn Center, 11-02-07Thank you for this wonderful review I am glad that you enjoyed yourself. Spamalot is a first class Broadway show , however, I need to correct you on one point. It is not the Ann Morrison PAC - It is the Velma V. Morrison PAC named after Harry Morrison's second wife- whom without her hard work 23 years ago we would not be enjoying these wonderful performances in Boise.
Hope to see at the theatre in the future
Wendell,
No way.
If there really is a group like that, I have a bridge in Fargo on sale for a dollar.
Jan,
Thank you and corrected.
I saw the musical twice and by far it is my favorite musical. I don't think any other musical can be or was funnier than Spamalot. No matter what I couldn't stop laughing.
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