Monty Python was a British comedy troupe that is best known for their work on the BBC television show Monty Python’s Flying Circus which aired from 1969 to 1974. Monty Python’s popularity transcends television; Monty Python also inspired the creation of a musical play. Monty Python's Spamalot is a rip off from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Monty Python's Spamalot was first seen in Broadway in 2005. The lyrics of Monty Python's Spamalot were written by Eric Idle while its music was composed by John Du Prez, Eric Idle and Neil Innes. During its first run, Monty Python's Spamalot was seen by over two million audiences and grossed more than USD175 million. Monty Python's Spamalot was also a critical success, having won three Tony Awards for the 2004-2005 season and being nominated in a total of fourteen categories.
The lead characters of Monty Python's Spamalot are: King Arthur of Britain, Sir Lancelot (the Homicidally Brave), Sir Robin (the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot), Sir Dennis Galahad (The Dashingly Handsome) and Sir Bedevere (The Strangely Flatulent). The Monty Python's Spamalot features more than twenty musical numbers. Some numbers from Monty Python's Spamalot were taken from Monty Python and The Holy Grail, the inspiration behind the musical. These are "Monks Chant," "Knights of the Round Table," and "Brave Sir Robin" ("Bring Out Your Dead" and "Run Away").
The title Spamalot comes from a line in the movie Monty Python and Holy Grail which goes: "we eat ham, and jam and Spam a lot." Of course, “Spam” was one of Monty Python’s most popular sketches. Monty Python’s Spamalot is a parody of the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and their quest to find the Holy Grail. In Monty Python’s Spamalot, the characters dance whenever they are able, sing in chorus, and dance with flawless footwork. The mix of interesting characters also includes French people, a cow, a killer rabbit, and the Holy Grail. Towards the end of the musical, King Arthur gives up and asks God “for a hand” on where the Holy Grail is. A hand of God then materializes and points to an audience member on whose seat the Holy Grail is.
Fans of silly comedy, part of Monty Python’s style, will surely enjoy the musical Monty Python's Spamalot. The spirit of Monty Python’s humor is often reflected in the musical numbers. Another good thing about the Monty Python's Spamalot is that it also pokes fun at popular musicals. The Monty Python's Spamalot is not to be missed by this generation who missed growing up to the classic Monty Python’s televisions show Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
