|
Past Reviews Regional Reviews: Seattle Many Shining Moments in 5th Avenue
Python's own Eric idle penned the script and lyrics as well as collaborating on the musical score with John DuPrez, zeroing in on spoofing Broadway musical comedy conventions, in addition to the original Pythonesque take on everything Arthurian. King Arthur and such Knights as Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Sir Robin, and the ever loyal Patsy, along with the ravishing (and self-admittedly underused) Lady of the Lake face ever more daunting comic obstacles in their quest for the Holy Grail. The screenplay of the film is quoted constantly (to the delight of Python purists in the audience who can quote every syllable) and merrily mirthful musical numbers like "I Am Not Dead Yet". "Run Away", "You Won't Succeed on Broadway", "The Song That Goes Like This" spirit the show right along, even borrowing the jolly sing-along style "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from another Python cult comedy classic Life of Brian. Reigning supreme as King Arthur in robust voice and expansive stage presence is the marvelous Allen Fitzpatrick who knows just how to walk the tricky line between satire and sincerity. Greg McCormick Allen is the ideal song and dance man to play Patsy, while Louis Hobson, bewigged in a cascade of blond curls, has never been better spoofing his leading man image as Sir Galahad. Dane Stokinger garners a lion's share of laughs in multiple roles which include everyone from Sir Lancelot to God, Matt Owen is priceless as Sir Robin, and Laura Griffiths as the Lady of the Lake rocks the rafters with a voice that ranges from belt to bell-like with ease, and hits a homerun with one of the show's funniest numbers, "The Diva's Lament" (aka "Whatever Happened to My Part?). Joshua Carter never ceases to tickle the funny bone, both as a madcap Minstrel and the fair and fey Prince Herbert, while the supporting company, topped off by the congenitally zany Richard Gray, are a wonder, and perform choreographer Lee Wilkins' zesty dance numbers with style and tongues firmly planted in their cheeks. Tim Hatley's colorful and clever original Broadway scenic and costume designs look none the worse for wear on the 5th Avenue stage, abetted by top-flight lighting design by Tom Sturge and Christian DeAngelis and sound design by Kai Harada. Musical direction by Christopher D. Littlefield assures a scintillating sound from the vocalists and musicians alike. Creator Idle was in attendance opening night and beaming with pride at how the 5th was looking after his baby, and justly so, as Monty Python's Spamalot at the 5th is as royally entertaining a slice of showbiz sautéed spam as one could hope for. Monty Python's Spamalot runs through March 2, 2014, at the 5th Avenue Theater, 1308 Fifth Ave, downtown Seattle. For more information go to www.5thavenue.org.
|
