"Spamalot" or "You Won't Succeed on Broadway if You Don't Have Any Jews"
Which brings us to Mike Nichols, director of the smash hit, now running at Hartford's Bushnell Theater through April 22. Nichols, whose birth name was Michael Igor Peschkowsky, qualifies as the requisite Jew, I suppose. He also headlined with Eliane May in nightclubs, on The Ed Sullivan Show, on radio - and so forth. Besides, Nichols has directed films such as "The Graduate," "Silkwood," "Carnal Knowledge," and "Angels in America." He knows: theater, film, comedy, and people - in any given order. This time, he has (you choose) modified, adapted, or ripped off the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and transformed it into a laugh-a-minute Broadway musical. Sure it's familiar and it certainly is a hoot and a half.
Combine Nichols with book/lyrics by Eric Idle and music by Idle and John Du Prez, toss in Casey Nicholaw's nifty choreography, smart sets and costumes by Tim Hatley, a first rate touring company of actors and you have a pretty cool evening of musical theater. It's a tad familiar and that will probably irritate a minority of theatergoers. Python devotees will feel lifted to heaven while those looking for two plus hours of levity will appreciate obvious humor, inclusive of bathroom-style lowbrow comedy.
Ostensibly, a friendly group of Knights seek the Grail, sort of, and for most of the first act it's possible to track the plot of "Spamalot." Early highlight numbers include "I Am Not Dead Yet," "Find Your Grail," and "Run Away," set amid a French Castle. Challenge: Figure out what the large, wooden rabbit is all about.
The second portion of the play begins with the uplifting "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," presented by Patsy, the servant (actor Jeff Dumas), King Arthur (Michael Siberry) and various oddball knights. Midway through the scene (here comes my reference), catch the many verses of "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" if you don't have any _____.
The villainous rabbit is really a white hand puppet -- and quite a sketch at that.
An unsuspecting viewer is escorted to the stage to participate as she receives an award.
And so on....
Pia Glenn is suitably statuesque and strong of voice as she sings an appropriate number, "The Diva's Lament." As The Lady of the Lake, her lines and appearances are limited.
Dumas is excellent with his three roles. And, Siberry makes for a credible (within the prespective of lack of credibility) Arthur. Robert Petkoff is outstanding as Sir Robin.
It's tough not to have a fine time with "Spamalot" even if this is not highly original, inventive work. There are obvious debts to "West Side Story," "Fiddler," and "The Producers." "Spamelot" is oftentimes amusing but, as a musical theater piece, cannot hold a candle to any of the aforementioned shows. That's okay: the current touring version diverts, charms, and entertains.
www.bushnell.org
(860) 987-5900
Combine Nichols with book/lyrics by Eric Idle and music by Idle and John Du Prez, toss in Casey Nicholaw's nifty choreography, smart sets and costumes by Tim Hatley, a first rate touring company of actors and you have a pretty cool evening of musical theater. It's a tad familiar and that will probably irritate a minority of theatergoers. Python devotees will feel lifted to heaven while those looking for two plus hours of levity will appreciate obvious humor, inclusive of bathroom-style lowbrow comedy.
Ostensibly, a friendly group of Knights seek the Grail, sort of, and for most of the first act it's possible to track the plot of "Spamalot." Early highlight numbers include "I Am Not Dead Yet," "Find Your Grail," and "Run Away," set amid a French Castle. Challenge: Figure out what the large, wooden rabbit is all about.
The second portion of the play begins with the uplifting "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," presented by Patsy, the servant (actor Jeff Dumas), King Arthur (Michael Siberry) and various oddball knights. Midway through the scene (here comes my reference), catch the many verses of "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" if you don't have any _____.
The villainous rabbit is really a white hand puppet -- and quite a sketch at that.
An unsuspecting viewer is escorted to the stage to participate as she receives an award.
And so on....
Pia Glenn is suitably statuesque and strong of voice as she sings an appropriate number, "The Diva's Lament." As The Lady of the Lake, her lines and appearances are limited.
Dumas is excellent with his three roles. And, Siberry makes for a credible (within the prespective of lack of credibility) Arthur. Robert Petkoff is outstanding as Sir Robin.
It's tough not to have a fine time with "Spamalot" even if this is not highly original, inventive work. There are obvious debts to "West Side Story," "Fiddler," and "The Producers." "Spamelot" is oftentimes amusing but, as a musical theater piece, cannot hold a candle to any of the aforementioned shows. That's okay: the current touring version diverts, charms, and entertains.
www.bushnell.org
(860) 987-5900
posted by Fred Sokol at 12:08 PM
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