And, now, this clever Idle forayBROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller
Dateline: April 20, 2005
SPAMALOT
A brand new show to the Great White Way.
In song and sets and frocks of gold
And warped minds from beyond the fold.
Those Shubert brothers we all adore,
At their famous theatre of legend and lore
Doth Eric Idle's idyll explore
A tale of chivalry, valor and gore.
King Arthur, whom we love a lot,
Sir Galahad, Sir Lancelot,
The round table, forget we not,
They set up court at Camelot.
And, now, this clever Idle foray
Composing with Sir John of Du Prez.
Sung, first, in Finnish polyglot,
This new show, they call Spamalot
Plucked from the coffers of Monty Python,
Their TV show has long been bygone,
Idle hath turned that tale of the Grail
Into a madcap, musical knightly tale.
Mike Nichols, once partner of Elaine May,
A brilliant director, one has to say,
Hath brought to life, on this very day,
An insane concoction, that's slightly gay.
Tim Curry we love from Rocky Horror,
Plays King Arthur like a king from the Torah.
He's tall, he's impressive, but that's not it.
He's the only character not smeared with s***.
Those wacky antics of Hank Azaria,
Brings on a sweat like a case of malaria.
His French Taunter ranks my favorite section
As he threatens to fart in our general direction.
And, let's not forget that David Hyde Pierce,
In chain mail and armor, he looketh quite fierce,
Delivers, with relish, the thunderous news
That no show on Broadway can run without Jews.
Of Christopher Sieber one has to be glad
They cast such a gallant Sir Galahad.
His voice is like sugar and he acts with aplomb.
As young folk would have it, this guy is the bomb.
And, Sara Ramirez, what more can one say?
I'd have her in spades, were I bent that way.
As the Lady of the Lake, one quickly admits
She sings like a songbird and that's some pair of t***.
No scrimping at all with sets by Tim Hatley.
The costumes are his, to state it quite flatly.
Hugh Vanstone creates such illusion with lights.
And Casey Nicholaw struts those dancers in tights.
So, gather your posse and they shall hear
Of the African swallow and a prince who's queer.
They're sold out for ages, but one mustn't fear.
One can pray for a solo to the side or the rear.
And, always look on the bright side of life
Don't dwell on your problems, the bills or the wife.
Now, off to the box office and get thee a spot
In the orchestra or balcony for Spamalot.