I have been a huge fan of the movie “Monty Python’s Search for the Holy Grail” for years now. When I found out there was a Broadway show based off this movie I knew I just had to see it at some point. My husband surprised me this month with tickets to this show, Spamalot.
If you have never seen the movie “Search for the Holy Grail”, you will still enjoy the Broadway show Spamalot. You will have a much better understanding and enjoyment of the show if you do watch the movie at least once before going to see Spamalot. If you have watched “Search for the Holy Grail” as much as my husband and I have, you should be able to quote lines along with the actors in Spamalot! The complete title of this Broadway show is in fact, “Monty Python’s Spamalot: A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Upon entering the auditorium and seeing the stage, it seem as though you have been thrown into the movie itself. The stage is framed with the classic cartoon clouds, castle, and drawbridge gate pattern. I loved the use of the classic animation throughout the whole musical. From horn playing angels, to the hand of God, and everything in between. The technical aspect of computerized motion and animation was amazing. The background sounds of the scene and booming voice of God were perfectly matched up with the activity on stage. Speaking about the voice of God, it was a great surprise to hear that it was John Cleese himself. Of course it was a recorded voice playing along with the flow of the scene, but it was great to hear him involved in this musical.
There were many aspects of Spamalot that mirrored the movie exactly. It started from the scene where the two castle guards argue about the ability of a swallow to carry a coconut. It continued telling the same storyline as the movie, but started to spice things up and throw in twists to the storyline. I was caught off guard quite a few times expecting something to happen that was in the movie, only to have a hilarious twist come about. I do not want to spoil it for anyone, but be ready to look at certain characters in a totally different light than you are used to.
I can not pinpoint a specific part of Spamalot that I could call my absolute favorite. There were so many classic and new lines and scenes that I loved so much. Almost immediately after the show ended my husband and I were quoting and laughing about different scenes. I would have to say one of the funniest moments was the ending of the scene at the French castle. I was wondering the whole time how they were going reenact the throwing of animals over the castle wall. To everyone’s amazingly great surprise, they actually threw a life-sized stuffed cow over the castle wall on stage! The whole audience started laughing uncontrollably!
Spamalot is enjoyably different because not only are there so many outrageously hilarious parts on the stage, but they also get the audience personally involved. I can not elaborate on this fact any more with spoiling the surprise. I can say that they do mention something about the city you are in. Depending on the reputation of the mentioned person, it is can be extremely funny!
One thing that can be touchy to some people is the fact that Spamalot takes a couple shots at certain groups of people. There is a long scene in which they talk and sing about Jews. Although very funny, I could see how some people may feel uncomfortable during this, and some other scenes.
I don’t think Spamalot would be quite appropriate for anyone younger than a high school level. There are some scenes with Vegas-style dancers, women in lingerie, and a touch of gay love. I don’t believe young children would understand a good deal of the humor of Spamalot, and might end up repeating lines at an inappropriate time.
I would recommend Spamalot to anyone who wants to have a carefree, laugh until your cheeks hurt time. Looking around the audience, it appears people from all different generations enjoy this type of comedy. Spamalot is WELL worth whatever the price of a ticket may be in your area. After all, Spamalot was voted the Tony Award’s Best Musical of 2005!
