Mmmm...Spam(alot)
Some Spam, A Lady In The Lake, and some English Pig Dogs...What A Night!
Jul 20, 2006
Monty Python is a part of our popular culture - there is no doubt about that. The British comedy troupe has had a very long and successful career, invading radio, tv, and film. What could they possibly do next?
The answer is: create a Broadway musical based on one of their most popular films - Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail.
A hit on Broadway sinced it opened in 2005 (with the likes of David Hyde Pierce, Hank Azaria and Tim Curry in the cast) has only fueled the fire of theatre goers, especially north of the border who haven't been able to snag a ticket to the show in the Big Apple can now rejoice as the show has embarked on a North American Tour. While this is a touring production, there is nothing about it that would suggest "tour". The large, lavish sets are re-created here, along with a full orchestra and cast.
For those of you who don't know the story, it follows the exploits of King Arthur and his Knights of The Round Table - but with a twist. All the familiar film characters are here: Sir Lancelot, Sir Galihad, The Black Knight (sans limbs and all), The Knights Who Say "Ni", and even the French soldiers who mock the "english pig dogs".
The beautiful thing about this show is that it doesn't try to be serious. At every junction, it focuses on the comedy that has made Monty Python a part of our popular culture for almost 40 years.
The cast is a sheer delight, performing with verve and energy, and they are FUNNY. Michael Siberry, as King Arthur, is utterly charming and suave as the man leading the Knights on their quest. Rick Holmes plays a slew of colorful characters including the Knight who says "Ni", one of the French Taunters, and Lancelot, who turns out to be a little more sexually confused than we thought. David Turner's Sir Robin is a sheer delight as he battles his fear of conflict until he finds something he's good at - singing a Broadway show tune.
Pia Glenn, as the Lady of The Lake is beautiful and gives a diva worthy performance, adding a feminine charm to the mostly male leading cast.
One other highlight - the portrayal of Patsy by Jeff Dumas. When he serenades us with that Python hit "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life", the crowd can't help but join in, and we can't help loving him for adding some (more) gaiety to the proceedings.
Mike Nichols, acclaimed film and stage director, has done an impeccable job at bringing out the best in each of his performers, and Casey Nicolaw's energetic and wonderful choreography is a delight to watch.
If you're looking for an evening out of absolute entertainment, there isn't anything better than Spamalot. Truly. And if you don't believe me, well, your mother was a hamster and your father smells of eldaberries.
Spamalot
Canon Theatre, Toronto
****1/2 (out of five)
