Theatre
Venue
Golden Gate Theater
Venue
Golden Gate Theater
Venue
Golden Gate Theater
Monty Python's Spamalot on Tour
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this adaptation of Monty Python's classic 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail returns with its gleefully absurdist spin on the legend of King Arthur. Featuring hilarious songs written by original Python member Eric Idle (along with music by composer John du Prez), Spamalot is a riotous display of medieval costumery, bumbling swordplay, silly dances, gloriously over-the-top sing-alongs and, of course, killer rabbits. A surefire, laugh-out-loud crowd-pleaser from start to finish, Spamalot is a reminder to — as its famous closing number goes — always look on the bright side of life.
Monty Python's Spamalot Background
Released just after their sketch show Monty Python's Flying Circus completed its legendary five-year run on the BBC, the 1975 film Monty Python and The Holy Grail proved the British comedy troupe could successfully adapt its wacky sensibility to feature-length narratives. Their ridiculous, proudly blasphemous retelling of King Arthur's quest for the titular religious touchstone became an instant cult classic and, 30 years after its release, provided the inspiration for Python's maiden voyage onto Broadway. Conceived by founding member Eric Idle, Spamalot adapted The Holy Grail into a musical featuring new songs and a few reworked tunes from the Python canon (including a revision of the Life of Brian classic, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"). Spamalot's original Broadway production was directed by veteran filmmaker Mike Nichols and starred Rocky Horror Picture Show alum Tim Curry in the lead role of King Arthur; it would go on to be nominated for a whopping 14 Tony Awards, winning three of them (including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical). A massive box office success that grossed over $175 million in its first run, Spamalot has effectively toured the world in perpetuity since its debut, spawning countless community-theater productions in the process.
Solid performance. I could tell that it was early in the run for the national theater, as there were a couple of awkward moments that will be smoothed over with practice, but all in all a solid show. People who normally don't like musical theater will enjoy this show, and those who do like musical theater would appreciated it on a different level.
I waited a long time to see this play and am so glad to have finally had the opportunity to see it. I laughed throughout the whole performance. Even though I have seen the " Monty Python and the Holy Grail" movie version many times and knew what to expect, the Broadway take on the various scenes and the character renditions were hilarious. Spamalot well deserved its Tony Award! The actors in the touring play did a wonderful job!
Very disappointing compared to when I saw the show 5 years ago. Perhaps it was because it was the third show of the day (Sat 4/13)? The leading lady was painfully flat.
The musical performance and the set design was amazing. I really felt like I was watching HDTV it was so vibrant--even from the upper balcony seats we were in! You always know you have a hit when you feel like the show ended too quickly--I am sure we would have watched for hours more. Of note, I had seen Spamalot years before at the National Theater and I have to say that this production was better by far. I enjoyed it at National, but I think the lighting and set crew on this production put it over the top. Thanks team!
Although I saw Spamalot the first time it toured, I always had a sense that I missed something. This production was terrific! Very funny and a great cast. Go! You won't be sorry.
Such a fun afternoon. Great sense of humer is amazing. Need to watch the movie now.
Spamalot was a lot of fun and was enjoyed by my wife and two teenaged sons. We laughed throughout the performance and had a wonderful experience.
The performance was amusing but the Lady of the Lake character didn't have a consistently great voice and I felt bad every time she missed a note. Patsy was fantastic as was the lead King Arthur. Sorry I don't have my program with me to name names. Most of all though, I feel compelled to say that I was physically uncomfortable - I'd forgotten what the seating is like at the National, part of the reason I don't go there often. NO LEG ROOM whatsoever - so much so that I am still sore, 2 days later from the position I was forced to sit in. I'm not a big person either. Before the performance there was a small speech about the upcoming plans for the National Theater and I'm really hoping they include fixing the seating. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever go back if they don't!
It was a great show. I want to see it again. When is it coming back to DC?
Silly at times. You really need to pay attention to all the little things going on.
Great production; funny lines we all know and love and just enough new that it is not simply a rehash of Monty history.
Great fun! Well worth the price of the tickets. When I entered the theater I worried that the stage was too small to hold the production, but it was well blocked and all the bits were done with such ease and talent that the stage limits feel away. Great fun, great job, great time!
Great show, theater, and production! Really enjoyed it
After having seen this show in London and Dallas years go, I attended in the DC with 2 friends , one who had lived in London and another who saw it in Dallas.. This show seemed less Monty Python and more Disney. From someone who appreciates any live theatre, it was still not as entertaining as it should have been or could have been . The voices of the cast were the highlights... Not the comedic aspects.
Hilarious as expected from a huge holy grail fan...all the best parts, black knight, French taunters, and all the knights of the round table. Definitely a must see show!
Great show that was funny from start to finish. This is a definite must watch. Guys, if you gotta go to a show with your wife or girl go to this one.
The people I went with saw It on Broadway, and the loved the additional humor and the different spin the touring company used. As for me I laughed and laughed, I am a native New Yorker and never experienced a touring show. LOVED IT
These days we all need a good laugh! Well we got it in spades with Spamalot. The cast and crew were great. They looked as if they were enjoying themselves just as much as we were. Thank you for such a wonderful show and a great evening out.
This is such a fun show and the touring cast was fabulous. Definitely recommend this one!
Very entertaining. If you loved Monty python's Holy GRail, then you'll love this. All the long-recited lines from the movie with funny songs and fantastic costumes to go along!