Spamalot is a nutty musical based on the 1970′s Monty Python movie, The Holy Grail. It is written by Eric Idle, one of the original Python members and John du Prez, who wasn’t. It is set around the legend of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail. In true Pythonesque fashion, the whole ensemble is a mish mash of silliness, killer rabbits and annoying French people! The movie is a classic, the musical has been hailed as “a no holds bar smash hit” by the New York Times. Buy your Spamalot tickets now to see this silly and unique play.
The musical sadly doesn’t feature the original cast of the movie, but it does feature performers who can actually sing. The original cast, for all their Oxford University learning’s and brilliant writings, most certainly could not sing, but this was part of their appeal.
Happily, the main cast for the Broadway version still fits in superbly and carries the Python way on in the wonderfully silly way that epitomizes Monty Python.
The main current cast of Spamalot is as follows:
Arthur Rowan as King Arthur -
Arthur has worked as a director, actor and fight choreographer at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. He has also worked in several theaters in the Washington DC area. Previous credits include the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Oberon in A Midsummer’s Nights Dream and Octavian in Antony and Cleopatra. With experience taken from every show, Rowan is able to take a piece of his colorful past and share it with those that buy Spamalot tickets.
Brittany Woodrow as the Lady of the Lake -
Brittany is a performer who has performed all over the world, notably Asia and Europe. Before landing this role she appeared in London’s West End. She has appeared in Fame, The Musical (Carmen Diaz) and HAIR the Musical (Sheila Franklin) amongst others.
Michael J Berry as Patsy -
Michael is a highly qualified performer, earning a BFA from Boston University, and a degree in Shakespeare and Classical Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He has featured in a movie and is reading for another. He also appeared in Go West – A Village People Musical. Patsy is King Arthur’s trusty sidekick and horse.
Adam Grabau as Sir Lancelot, The French Taunter, King Ni and Tim the Enchanter -
Adam plays a variety of roles here (as many of the original cast does) and he comes with a great theater pedigree. He has worked mostly in the DC and Baltimore area as characters such as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Orin in Little Shop of Horrors, and Franz Liebkind in The Producers amongst many others. He has a degree in Theater Performance and Arts Administration.
Jacob Smith as Sir Dennis Galahad, Black Knight and Father -
Jacob has been recently named as one of the rising stars of Broadway and is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. He has starred as Mike Mooney in Paint Your Wagon and Peter Boroff in Silk Stockings amongst others.
Kasidy Devlin as Sir Robin -
As ‘brave Sir Robin’, Kasidy has a diverse background in theater, clown, and mask performance. He has also trained at In Bocca al Lupo in Italy.
Thomas Demarcus as Mayor, Sir Bedevere, Mother, Concorde, and understudy to King Arthur -
Thomas has performed in The Pajama Game (Hines), Eggs (Provincetown Playhouse) and For the Love of Miss Bishop (Algonquin). He is also heavily involved in the creation of the webseries 30/2010.
Spamalot features a great supporting cast as well, all with strong credentials and suit their roles well. Eric Idle has written some amazing stuff over the years, and the musical Spamalot is the latest in a long line of great writings. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this wonderful play, buy your Monty Python’s Spamalot tickets now!
In 1975, six British actors produced an odd film that was thought to have limited shelf life. The film was “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and is now considered a one of a kind, cult classic. Fast forward to 2005 when “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” is re-mixed into a Tony award winning stage play named “Spamalot.”
“Spamalot” premiered on the Broadway stage to rave reviews and in its first year won 3 Tony awards including Best Musical, Best Musical Direction and Best Actress in a Musical. It was nominated for an additional 11 Tony’s and was a huge box office success. Be sure to get your Spamalot tickets now, before this box office hit disappears!
What makes “Spamalot” interesting is it’s upbeat, comic romp of great acting, enthusiastic singing and a theme that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In a world where things seem hard and harder, watching King Arthur romp around with his menagerie of wayward knights hunting a mythical grail feels like a refreshing day in the park. Those that buy Spamalot tickets will enjoy a few moments away from the care and strain of life for a positive, sometimes silly, musical farce.
The Story:
The basic premise of “Spamalot” was” lovingly ripped” from the 1975 movie. In the play we follow King Arthur, his knights and his favorite “horse” Patsy on their quest for the Holy Grail. Along the way there are mishaps, misadventures and of course, the Lady of the Lake. The overall message of this play encourages the audience that if people work together they can achieve anything! (even finding the grail)
The Songs:
“Spamalot” features an amazing array of quality songs written by Eric Idle. Tunes like “I Am Not Dead Yet,” “Always Look On The Bright Side of Life” and “The Song That Goes Like This” have the audience nearly dancing in the stalls by intermission. This score has something for everyone with Gregorian chat, French can-can, rock and roll and even gospel music thrown in for fun.
The Venues:
Since the premier in 2005, “Spamalot” has toured the globe and has played theaters in Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Paris, Belgium and the Netherlands. Along the way, some songs have been adjusted for cultural sensitivity. In Las Vegas, the show was condensed to 90 minutes. Currently, Spamalot tickets are available for its second U.S. tour.
The Actors:
Great acting sets this Monty Python show apart. The original cast included Tim Curry as King Arthur, David Hyde-Pierce as Sir Robin, Hank Azaria as Sir Lancelot and Sara Ramirez as the Lady of the Lake. (she won the Tony for her performance.) National tours feature lesser known actors with just as much talent as the original production. Musicals require a dedicated cast and “Spamalot” is no exception. The cast exudes so much energy and enthusiasm they leave you wanting to come back to buy more..lots more Spamalot tickets!
The Only Disappointment:
The only disappointment I found in this play was the fact that Spam itself plays such a small role. In fact, Spam is mentioned only in one song and so has very little stage time. I expected Spam would play a larger role, but then Monty Python always loved to keep you guessing!
Overall, I highly recommend “Spamalot.” This musical will appeal to Monty Python lovers and non Monty Python lovers alike. My suggestion? Grab a date and buy Spamalot tickets!
