Spamalot

In the travelling production of Monty Python's Spamalot, the element of the play that stuck out the most to me was the acting. It takes a lot to sing, dance and deliver lines of such a strange nature while still keeping composure. The actors delivered a serious performance of a musical that is far from serious with the enthusiasm that the writers clearly envisioned. Characters such as The Lady of the Lake, played by Brittany Woodrow, delivered a performance that did justice the part of a fairy while still bringing a satirical Cher to the table. The actor's ability to deliver the message is this way is central to the play's message (which may or may not be anything).

Another aspect of the play that struck me were the costumes. Not just the type of clothes they were wearing or how they were designed, but more about how they tied the musical together. Throughout the musical, there are several references to popular culture while still remaining in the period of the Middle Ages. Part of what reminds the audience of this are the costumes. When Sir Robin is singing about needing Jews to be successful on Broadway, the audience can forget that the setting is still Middle Ages England. Robin's chainmail and other medieval git-up tie together the entire scene and really make the audience laugh because it makes absolutely no sense.

Finally, music is another central element to the show, one that truly makes its presence known throughout. If it was accompanying a song or or just conveying an actor's emotion, the music in this show was truly central to the themes of the play. The diversity of the music was also evident. From a slow, almost mellow sound in "The Song That Goes Like This" to the exciting and loud "His Name is Lancelot", the music provided the foundation for how the audience should feel during a scene.

Introduction:

The University of Missouri Concert Series hosted Monty Python's Spamalot at Jesse Auditorium on Sunday night. The musical, produced by Phoenix Entertainment and written by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, brought musical humor to a packed audience. Set in medieval England, the play is a look that is well worth it on popular culture and the legend of King Arther and his Knights of the Round Table.