932 AD was a tough year, particularly for those seeking the Holy Grail. Impediments were encountered at every turn, from killer rabbits to shrubbery and flying cows. On the bright side, audiences are now able to see the humour in their misadventures in Spamalot, a Tony-award-winning musical adapted primarily from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Utter nonsense at its finest, Spamalot reNews the balmy, edgy humour of the Monty Python gang in theatrical form. The classic tale of Camelot is parodied as it follows legendary King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on their quest for the sacred cup.
Drayton Entertainment interprets with all the spirit and spectacle necessary for a rousing evening full of really good laughs. Monty Python fans from back in the day were thrilled to hear classic lines again (“it’s just a flesh wound”), and new fans relished the crazy fun and musical numbers from a wonderfully talented and enthusiastic cast.
Often delivered in British falsetto, everything is spoofed, nothing is spared. Religion, ethnicity, class and gender issues are chewed up and spat out, drowned in the nonsense that fuels animosity. Alas, some audience members may feel some slight mortification though most is just plain silliness that makes grown men giggle and women guffaw.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus was a British surreal comedy group originating in 1969 comprised of some highly educated rebels including John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman and Eric Idle. This production is graced by Eric Idle himself as the “Voice of God”.
Victor A. Young plays King Arthur with much befitting bewilderment. He has often played more crusty, diplomatic roles such as in Sleuth and in the TV series The Murdoch Mysteries. His trotting is up to par as he navigates the stage on his imaginary steed aided by Patsy, played by the appealing Nick Settimi who faithfully provides clopping sound effects via coconuts.
Kristin Peace makes her Drayton Entertainment debut as The Lady of the Lake. She is a wellspring of personality with a voice of beautiful range and pitch in numbers such as The Diva’s Lament (“Whatever Happened to my Part?”). She is as funny as she is gorgeous.
Not-so-brave Sir Robin is played with great flair by the wonderful Eddie Glen.
He also provides hilarity in several other roles including the contemptful French Taunter Guard who pushes the limits with lines such as, “Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries.” He presents more racy lines with a discerning smile.
Mark Uhre delights as Sir Lancelot with a lot of dimensions to cover while doubling as the Knight of Ni (though not as many lines in this role as they only say “ni”).
Thomas Alderson is the liveliest dead man, the strangest Prince Herbert, funniest flying nun and most vicious rabbit ever.
Director Alex Mustakas’ vision and perception is precisely played out in the spirit of the thing.
The costume and original scenic designs by Tim Hatley are spectacular.
Colourful outfits for male cheerleaders are as great as the dirty peasant outfits.
The set unobtrusively changes from castles to “expensive forests” while the extensive new fly bridge provides the height necessary for large feet descending from heaven for starters.
On opening night a joyful “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” broke out during the standing (and singing and whistling) ovation.
Spamalot runs through Aug. 3.
Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com, at the box office or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
