Monty Python's Spamalot

I purchased tickets to the event as a gift, not knowing what I was getting myself into. I had seen clips of the movie but that was all. However, I found myself laughing almost the entire show. The show is about King Arthur and his knights assigned by God to find the holy grail and the challenges that arise along the way.

Monty Python's Spamalot cover.*

The musical begins with a short history lesson about the time, requiring the actor/historian to break the fourth wall. Eventually the audience meets King Arthur and Patsy, where we learn that he is looking for men for his "very round table." He finds Sir Galahad, which allows for the introduction of the  Lady of the Lake and her Laker girls. It was an interesting mix of modern life with King Arthur's time.  In the next scene, the audience is introduced to all of the knights: Sir Galahad, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Bedevere. I hear that the story behind each of the characters is rather funny as well, but Spamalot skipped over this in the interest of time.

King Arthur and the Laker girls.*

Having acquired his knights, they return to Camelot, introducing a Vegas-inspired scene. It is shortly after this that the men are tasked with the job of finding the holy grail.  The first act ends after the brave knights run in fear of the French castle, the taunters, and the flying cows. Intermission brings forth a reminder of how much technology was involved in the production of the musical. It becomes a backdrop in many scenes adding to the affect.

Brave Sir Robin and his minstrels.*

Act II begins with King Arthur having lost all of his men and prevented from continuing his search for the holy grail because of the Knight of Ni. In addition, we see Brave Sir Robin running in fear of... well, everything. Act II also brings forth interesting theatre elements. The Lady of the Lake comes forward complaining about the size of her part (though Brittany Woodrow, who plays the Lady of the Lake, has amazing vocals!). Later on, she informs the characters who, in order to satisfy the Knights formerly known as Ni, have been tasked with producing a Broadway musical, that they are actually in one. She tells them that they must find the holy grail and end the musical with a wedding.

King Arthur, his knights, Patsy, and the Camelot dancers.*

The characters begin to quickly wrap up the musical  and find the killer rabbit. Upon defeating the killer rabbit, Patsy goes into the audience and finds the holy grail. The person is taken up on stage where she is applauded for finding the holy grail. Then it all concludes with a double wedding, and the bouquet tossed into the audience.

King Arthur and his knights.*

The play is an interesting blend of modern times with the old. The use of technology enhanced the experience, creating different affects for the scenes. The scenery was pretty basic and changed with almost every scene. The choreography was amazing for the performance. It varied between minimal dancing to a little more intricate to add to the scene. Also , the costuming was fitting for the time and each scene. I liked the color distinction in order to tell the knights apart.

“His Name is Lancelot” scene.*

I think it would be interesting to see something like this written on paper, because there is so much that is going on throughout the whole show. I liked the subtle pokes at Broadway, but it was a lot of fun to watch the audience reaction to everything. People were laughing so hard the entire night, especially the boy in front of me who spent a lot of time doubled over with laughter (especially with "His Name is Lancelot"). Either way, Saginaw shall always revere Sir Stevie Wonder, Lady Erica (the concierge at the Fairfield Inn), and Lady Wallraven (the woman who found the holy grail).

*All images obtained through Google Image Search.