Review: TUTS' "Spamalot"

And now for something completely.. the same. Well, not exactly. It's no secret that Spamalot is "lovingly ripped-off" from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but who can blame Eric Idle? The movie is extremely popular with everyone from British humor fans to nerdy teenage boys, and Spamalot tweaks the story just enough to keep the audience riveted, and also in stitches. We wouldn't say that the musical is exactly riding the coattails of the Python troupe's success, but when the show's program poses the question, "Is he God or Godot?" about Monty Python, we're inclined to answer both.

Neither Monty Python comedies nor musicals in general are exactly known for their complex plots or deep character development, but that's not a problem in Spamalot. Anyone who is expecting anything more than irreverent humor (humour?), a flashy show, and a good time has been led astray. Monty Python diehards and those unfamiliar with the troupe's work alike will enjoy the show, which vacillates between low-brow comedy and hilarious pop culture references. Familiar fans will recognize the taunting Frenchman, the killer rabbit, and the Knights Who Say "Ni," but that's not to say that the whole show is an inside joke between the Pythons and their loyals. There are original songs and updated jokes to keep the tale of a motley crew of bumbling knights in the Middle Ages fresh and fun, and it is readily apparent that the cast and crew pour their hearts and souls into making the show great.

What stands out about this show most obviously is the lavish scenery and props. It uses, among other things, 40 coconuts per month, 6 tanks of liquid carbon dioxide per week, 6 pounds of confetti per performance, 100 wigs, and a completely different instrument called a Spama-horn, which creates the sound of a dying trumpet player. The show's "wow" factor is high, but the actors and their voices don't allow the set, props, and costumes to outshine them. Some cast members did outshine each other, however. On the whole, this was a true ensemble show, but we were especially impressed with the beautiful and talented Esther Stilwell as the Lady of the Lake and Patrick Heusinger's Sir Lancelot, who takes part in one of the most brilliant coming out scenes we've ever witnessed.

With the combination of a killer script, scenery that cost a lot of bees (that's Cockney rhyming slang for money), and energetic actors, we're not surprised that Spamalot won the 2005 Tony award for Best Musical, and we highly recommend that you get out to see it before it leaves on June 17.