**** Highly Recommended Monty Python’s Spamalot is a rollicking romp chock full of silly schtick – all the sight gags, pratfalls and double entendres you could ask for! Eric Idle’s musical is kind of a mash-up of the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and bits from the BBC series, Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Big fan or newby, you’ll be laughing through the whole show! 4 BIG Spotlights
I must say that I’m a Monty Python fan. I’m not a fanatic like my brother who can quote entire scenes, but I’m pretty darn familiar with most of the bits, so I was pretty excited when I heard about Spamalot. I just couldn’t wait, so I saw the 4th preview performance in 2004, then went back to see the finished product, which was considerably different than that early preview.
Blake Segal and Major Attaway. Provided photo.
The show opens as the Historian (Steven Telsey) introduces the audience to not-so-merry olde England, but the ensemble obviously didn’t hear him since they performed the rousing Fisch Schlapping Song. Oops, they’re in Finland, not England!
After another introduction, King Arthur (Major Attaway) and his faithful sidekick Patsy (Blake Segal) travel across England, seeking knights for Arthur’s brand new Round Table. At one stop, the castle guardians notice that they’re not really riding horses, Patsy’s clacking coconuts just sound like horses. Ignoring Arthur completely, they debate on the ability of swallows to carry coconuts.
Amanda Robles & Ensemble. Provided photo.
When the new knights, Sir Lancelot (Chris Collins-Pisano). Sir Robin (Sean Bell), Sir Galahad (Leo Roberts) and Sir Bedevere (Ellis C. Dawson III) ask how Arthur became king, he mentions the Lady of the Lake – and suddenly there she is – The Lady of the Lake (Amanda Robles) and the Laker Girls!
After a visitation from God, they learn their quest – find the holy grail. Their first adventure takes them to a French castle where the guards make a habit of taunting visiting English. As they continue looking for the grail, they meet the Knights of Ni, who demand a shrubbery for passage; the Black Knight, who never gives up, and of course, the Killer Rabbit!
L to r. Sean Bell, Chris Collins-Pisano, Major Attaway, Blake Segal, Leo Roberts & Ellis C. Dawson III. Provided photo.
You’ll love the musical numbers. Some of my favorites - I Am Not Dead Yet, featuring Not Dead Fred (Steven Telsey); The Diva’s Lament. in which The Lady of the Lake wonders what happened to her part; The Song That Goes Like This, which fits into a certain part of any musical; I’m All Alone; and of course, the Spamalot signature song, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.
The Spamalot cast all play multiple parts except for King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake. They are: Historian, Not Dead Fred, Nun, Mime, Minstrel (Steven Telsey); Mayor, Patsy, Guard 2 (Blake Segal); Sir Robin, Guard 1, Brother Maynard (Sean Bell); Sir Lancelot, The French Taunter, Knight of Ni, Tim the Enchanter (Chris Collings-Pisano); Sir Galahad, The Black Knight, Prince Herbert’s Father (Leo Roberts); Dennis’ Mother, Sir Bedevere, Concorde (Ellis C. Dawson III).
Chris Collings-Pisano & the Knights of Ni. Provided photo.
Also appearing: Frog DJ (L’ogan J’ones); Sir Not Appearing (Connor Coughlin), Knights of the Round Table Dancer (Lindsay Lee Alhady); French Guards (Connor Coughlin, L’ogan J’ones); Minstrels (L’ogan J’ones, Nathaniel Mahone); Monk (Arms for the Poor) (Ben Lanham); Sir Bors (L’ogan J’ones). The Spamalot ensemble: Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Connor Coughlin, L'ogan J'ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone and Meridien Terrell. Swings: Jack Brewer, Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier and Mark Tran Russ.
The Spamalot Orchestra: Music Director/Conductor/Keys 1, Jonathan W Gorst; Associate Music Director/Keys 2, Shane Ffrench; and Drums, Brandon Wong. Local musicians: Violin, Paul Zafer; Reed 1, Steve Leinheiser; Trumpet 1, Brent Turney; Trombone, Andy Baker; Guitar, Steve Roberts and Bass, Lawrence Kohut.
The cast of Spamalot. Provided photo.
Spamalot, which previewed in Chicago in 2004, premiered on Broadway in 2005. It was nominated bor fourteen Tony Awards and won three including Best Musical. Spamalot’s book and lyrics were written by Eric Idle, with music by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. It should be noted that Idle was one of the original cast members of the BBC hit, Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Spamalot had a critically acclaimed Broadway revival in 2023, leading to this national tour.
Monty Python’s Spamalot runs through May 31st at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago. Running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes, with an intermission. Performances: Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, Wednesdays at 1:00 & 7:00 pm, Thursdays & Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm. Tickets range from $35-$135. FYI www.BroadwayInChicago.com.