LET DOWN THE DRAWBRIDGE, SPAMALOT HAS RETURNED HOME

First, let me just get this out of the way.  I am not the biggest Monty Python fan that has ever walked the earth.  Either one tends to fall on the Mel Brooks humor end of the spectrum or the Monty Python end.  The scales tip way over to the Brooks side for me.  That personal note being said, the First National Tour of Monty Python's Spamalot, currently running at Chicago/>/>'s Cadillac Palace Theatre, is a great evening of "forget your troubles" type of theatre.  Most of the audience in attendance was falling on the floor with laughter.  It is very infectious, and no matter what your feelings regarding Python are, you walk away from the show in a much happier state then when you walked in.

            Based on the film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, Monty Python's Spamalot had its pre-Broadway engagement in Chicago/>/> and sold out instantly.   Directed by Mike Nichols, it went on to win three 2005 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Director.  This "Second Coming" is no exception.  Python's legions of fans thou comest in droves.  What they are in store for is a much tighter and cleaner production that its predecessor.

Though it is without the star power of Tim Curry, Hank Azaria and David Hyde Pierce, this production stands on its own and proves that the show functions fine without the need for celebrities (which cannot be said of Brooks' The Producers).

To compare this cast to the original is a bit unfair but inevitable.  However, in many instances, this cast is better than the originals.  Case in point, Michael Siberry portrayal of King Arthur is far more grounded and believable then that of Tim Curry.  The part of the Lady of the Lake/> has thankfully been trimmed and is in the very capable hands of Pia Glenn.  The stand out performance, without a doubt, is David Turner's Sir Robin.  Turner has dead on comic timing and is hilarious in every scene he is in.  

The book, lyrics and music are by Eric Idle who was one the original creators of Monty Python.  Though you won't go away humming any tunes from the show, the lyrics and music fit each of the scenes and characters.  John Du Prez also composed the score with Idle. 

Mr. Idle attended the opening night performance and thanked Chicago/>/> for embracing the show when it was here for its pre-Broadway engagement, calling Chicago Spamalot's true home.   Chicago/>/> should also thank Mr. Idle and Mr. Nichols for giving us a show that allows us to sit back and look at the bright side of life for several hours. 

            Spamalot runs through June 4, 2006 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.  For tickets go to www.StageDoorChicago.Com or www.BroadwayinChicago.com .