"Spamalot" (The Fox Theater)

There is laughter and music in the air at the Fox Theater this week through March 4th. The reason is that "Spamalot" has arrived and a talented cast makes the silly show even sillier. And in this show the sillier it all is, the better.

The play is based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and those who have actually seen the movie will be more attuned to the comedy of the piece than the rest of us who are being introduced with this viewing. It takes some time to realize that the gags are corny, the songs are silly, and the performances are way over the top. That is what makes it so great!

The story concerns King Arthur (Michael Siberry) and his early quest to find his Knights of the Round Table. Later, after they have been assembled, he heads off to hunt for the Holy Grail. His muse and his inspiration is the Lady of the Lake (Pia Glenn).

Several of his knights have their moment center stage. This includes Robin (Robert Petkoff), Galahad (Anthony Holds) and Lancelot (Patrick Heuisinger). They sing, they swagger, and they let stupid jokes roll of their lips. That is what you do in a Monty Python play.

The standout songs from the play include "Find Your Grail" and "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life." The standout performance in the cast is Pia Glenn as the Lady of the Lake. Sara Ramirez ("Grey's Anatomy") won a Tony for her performance in this role and Glenn keeps the momentum going. She steals the show whenever she is on stage.

Everything about this production is fun. The cast seems to be caught up in the humor and does everything possible to make it even wackier than it is written. And when they sing and dance, well they just throw themselves into it all.

"Spamalot" is one of the brightest shows to come from Broadway in the past few years. It is uproarious and totally stimulating. Even if you aren't a fan of the Monty Python brand of humor you won't be able to resist the charm of this group. So get into your silliest mood and head on down to the Fox. You will find a group of people waiting to entertain you and they will do it whether you want them to or not.

"Spamalot" can be seen at the Fox through March 4th. Don't let it leave town without your having seen it!
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!