Theater Review - Spamalot: Not dead yet

You recognize two factions in the audience of Monty Python’s Spamalot, the musicalization of the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, from ex-Python Eric Idle (with composer John Du Prez). The obvious Python fans would cheer their favorite characters and routines, yelling out an enthusiastic “Ni!” at the appearance of the Knights Who Say Ni. The musical-theater regulars chuckled more heartily at the Broadway parodies, such as the Andrew Lloyd Webber pastiche “The Song That Goes Like This.”

??
Spamalot efficiently keeps both camps entertained, but works harder to appease the older, stodgier and more reliable ticket-buyers. Idle’s adaptation retains the trademark Python silliness in restaging the episodic exploits of King Arthur (Michael Siberry) and his Knights of the Round Table as they face killer rabbits and taunting Frenchmen in their quest for the Holy Grail. Frequently, Spamalot takes familiar lines such as “I’m not dead yet” or “Run away!” and builds musical numbers around them with catchy but insubstantial melodies.

??
The hit musical only lacks the surreal spontaneity and aggressive cleverness of Monty Python. You suspect that the show’s brainiest bits, such as Arthur’s argument over the constitutionality of the monarchy, would never have made the cut if they hadn’t been made famous by the original film. Probably the addition that’s most faithful to the troupe’s original spirit is Sir Robin’s (Robert Petkoff) “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” which weds political incorrectness with dazzling wordplay for the evening’s one true showstopper.

??
The Lady of the Lake (Pia Glenn), a barely mentioned character from the film turned de facto female lead onstage, exists mostly to sing the requisite high notes while spoofing the kind of diva attitude that spans the pop-music spectrum. Glenn’s vocals steal the show since, otherwise, it’s more of a showcase of comedic shtick than singing acumen. The rest of the actors prove droll and game, but don’t make nearly the same vivid impression as the original Pythons in the hilariously abrasive roles.

??
Spamalot feels almost literally like a Vegas version of Holy Grail, but it’s undeniably fun, with old-fashioned showmanship involving soft-shoe numbers with spinning umbrellas, incongruous disco routines or can-can dancers in drag. Though the show displays Python without fangs, there’s something weirdly wonderful about seeing such sights as the Feet of God descending from the rafters, or the life-sized version of the Trojan Rabbit.

??
Spamalot. Through March 4. Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m. The Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. 404-817-8700. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.