You'll have to forgive me. I had never seen "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" until a day before I saw "Spamalot," the musical they say is "lovingly ripped off from the motion picture." As soon as I saw the film, it became a no-brainer that there could be a musical based on it. The eagerly awaited "Spamalot" (here in its pre-Broadway tryout) more than holds up to the comic genius of the film. Silly? Yes. But first of all, it's supposed to be, and second, silly is good when it's this well done.
"Spamalot," partially written by original Python Eric Idle, is Mel Brooks' "The Producers" taken to another level. For those who don’t know the plot of the film, "Spamalot" covers the journey of King Arthur (Tim Curry) as he journeys to find the Holy Grail. Arthur, journeying with his servant Patsy (Michael McGrath) recruits several knights to accompany him on his quest. Along the way, we meet the Lady of the Lake (the amazing Sara Ramirez) and a host of other odd characters, including The French Taunter (Hank Azaria), Prince Herbert (Christian Borle) and Tim the Enchanter (Azaria again). Over it all comes the voice of God in the person of John Cleese.
As in the film, most of the actors play multiple roles, and the cult status that "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" has achieved only adds to "Spamalot’s" success. The show stays quite faithful to the film, so much so that as the famous scenes are approaching (such as the Brave Sir Robin song), you can hear the audience start to laugh in anticipation. "Spamalot’s" music is a mixture of new music as well as music from…"Holy Grail," and "Life of Brian."
Directed by Mike Nichols, "Spamalot" is bound to be an instant hit when it reaches New York. Nichols infuses the show with a sense of wacky fun that never feels forced. The production design is impressive: Tim Hatley's set and costume design, complete with the trademark Python animation, serves as the perfect canvas for the show, and Hugh Vanstone's lighting completes the picture perfectly.
Curry, as King Arthur, David Hyde Pierce and Azaria (both playing multiple roles) are perfect, as are Borle, McGrath and Christopher Sieber. The real breakout performance in "Spamalot," however, is that of Ramirez, as the Lady of the Lake, et al. Her vocal and acting range are astonishing, and she is likely to get a lot of attention once the show opens in New York.
If you miss "Spamalot" in Chicago, it’s likely to run for quite a while in New York. Even if you’ve never seen "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," you should make it a point to see "Spamalot." And remember, "always look on the bright side of life."
Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle, Music by John du Prez and Eric Idle. At the Shubert Theatre, 22 W. Monroe. Tickets: (312) 902-1400; $25-$87. Through Jan. 23.
