Show Reviewed: Monty Python's Spamalot
Date saw the show: August 5, 2008
Place saw the show: Calgary, Alberta
Theatre: Jubilee Auditorium
Wrote By: Eric Idle and John Du Prez

Reviewed by: Kristiana Barber (Calgary Correspondent - Canada)

For anyone who still categorizes all musical theater as boring ballads, cheesy dance routines and useless dialogue, Spamalot will force a change of heart. It would be an understatement to say that this is not your typical musical. Spamalot takes the comedy style of Monty Python And The Holy Grail and presents a mixture of song and dance that keeps the audience laughing from start to finish.  

The show brings the jokes of Monty Python a step further by also poking fun at Broadway and the musical genre itself. The book and lyrics were written by Eric Idle and the music the result of a joint effort between Idle and John Du Prez. Together they tell the tale of the famous King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they search high and low for the elusive Holy Grail. Along the way they encounter everything from the beautiful lady of the lake, the glittering lights of Camelot and even a killer rabbit. Indeed any musical with a killer rabbit in its cast can claim a certain amount of individuality that separates it from other Broadway tours. However don't let the comedy fool you; the music, while entertaining and without a doubt hilarious, also manages to be catchy and at times even enchanting.

Much of this enchantment comes from the cast of the tour who manage to live up to the material offered by Spamalot creators and deliver a high-energy show. The sometimes repetitive and tired feelings that can plague traveling tours were non-existent with the current cast, with each member contributing to a fabulous performance.

My only warning is that despite the kid friendly appearance provided by the elaborate sets and costumes Spamalot is not appropriate for young children. The show contains not only adult language and concepts, but also often includes risqué gestures that caused even my cheeks to turn slightly pink. Many of the jokes and references made are aimed at an adult audience and should be viewed with this intention in mind; probably better suited for big kids at heart. 

Spamalot is an offbeat, modern day musical that is nothing but laughs all the way through. It is a politically incorrect masterpiece brought to life by an amazing and talented cast and crew. With a couple of Tony awards, a successful Broadway run and tours covering the globe Spamalot is taking audiences by storm and changing the face of the musical theater genre.