I have been waiting to see what fate has in store for "Spamalot". I saw it before the Tony's with the original cast and I had a blast! Now, We have Tim Curry & Sara Ramirez leaving Dec (18th I believe?) and I must say that I would have gone with 2 other BIG names to replace these two greats - However, they didn't seem to feel the same. I have no idea when Hank or David leave either, But as much as I enjoyed this show, It seems that without the "Star Power" of a Tim Curry (And Hank, And David!) and the new sensation and Tony Winner Sara Ramirez, This now HOT show could go belly up - and It doesn't HAVE TO if they invested in some well known names. I'm not saying the 2 coming in are not experienced stage folk, But this particular show seems to me it draws heavily on such a novel cast that- lacking that draw, It may just draw it's own last breath. I believe the powers that be may have misjudged on this call, anyone else have thoughts on this? As I said, I LOVED the show, But it has an impressive cast and I don't think will maintain it's charm without it. When I saw the show, Just the applause when Tim Curry entered was ear blasting, and Hank and David were greatly loved from the applause they got as well. Sara won the audience over instantly and she seems a tough act to follow, She is top notch in her vocals and style - I simply think they should have gone with bigger draws, be they from Broadway or Film/Television fame. Anyone else?
"It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance." -
Elizabeth Taylor
I especially loved the performances of Hank, Michael McGrath and Christian Borle. I have tickets to see it again in the beginning of May. Does anyone know if these three performers will still be in the cast?
I saw the show with Tim's understudy and he was great so I don't think the show lacked anything, just maybe some star power. I also saw it once with Sara's understudy and that was when I noticed a bigger difference. She didn't compare to Sara. However when Hank left, they did not go with a big name to replace him and Alan is awesome in the role. David and Hank signed on through April and tickets are sold out till then anyway so it will be interesting to see if it's still as hot after they leave. I have heard good things about both Tim and Sara's replacements so I'm anxious to see and judge for myself. I can't see anyone measuring up to Sara but that's me.
No replacement has yet been announced for Sara and Tim Curry's replacement is going to be Simon Russell Beale (Dec. 20th).
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"
"Smart! And into all those exotic mystiques -- The Kama Sutra and Chinese techniques. I hear she knows more than seventy-five. Call me tomorrow if you're still alive!"
The people who I know saw all the original cast and were most impressed by Sara, Christian Borle and some of the supporting cast. I have consistently heard what Tim and Hank perform on the stage could be done by anyone with talent. Personally, I am glad I will be seeing Hank and David Hyde Pierce, and will report back on how it all works.
I think it will lose some of its appeal. Cause i am with oyu, i cant imagine seeing it without Tim. I didnt get to see Hank though, but i thought his replacememnt was awesome. (moreso after seeing him in firefly)
But i dont see it going bad, after all its going on tour? Monty Python still carries a big name.
I don't know how long Christian or Christopher will be with the show, but I asked Michael McGrath after a show in September, and he is with the show until July (that was GREAT news!---Patsy is one of my favorite characters in the show!!!) David and Hank are there until April ... I've seen it with a variety of casts (and have tickets for dec & feb) so I'm happy to see what the recasts have to offer---I'm not too terribly fussy!!!
Magdalene----that is great news about Michael. (I have tix for May--as I mentioned above). Now I just have to sweat out Christian still being there (his Prince Herbert is hysterical).
Justafan22---I know how you feel! The first time I saw the show, Christian was out---but his replacement was good!!! I'm anxiously awaiting Hank coming back---even though Alan was wonderful!!!---because I'm a huge Hank Azaria fan. MissNY---I would dress warmly, because for a few weeks only will you be able to see the original cast---GOOD LUCK!!!
I just grabbed SR tickets for Spamalot over the weekend. I caught a Saturday night show. I arrived ridiculously early (5am) and the next person didn't arrive til about 6a. I guess it depends on what day you're going, but it doesn't seem like there is any reason to show up earlier than 7. I was kind of kicking myself as people strolled in at 7 and 730 to take up the fourth and fifth spots in line...
But bundle... it get's cold and the Shubert alley/avenue/walkway/whatever has a nasty habit of channeling the wind.
The show is wonderful though, and the SR spots are fantastic. You can't see the top of the stage, but you don't miss a single moment of action. You just don't get to see the clouds...
Does anyone know how I can confirm who played King Arthur in the Wed. Nov. 2nd 8pm performance of Spamalot? Was it his standby, or someone else? Of course, they made the announcement before the show, but it was pretty tough to hear the actor's name amid the boo-ing. I was pretty appalled at it, but the actor playing King Arthur turned out to be absolutely wonderful. While it would have been great to see Tim Curry, I did not feel deprived at all.
Yes, I am aware of that. Unfortunately, the only understudy who was accounted for by a program leaflet was Steve Rosen's, and I never got to see the board, as the lobby was quite crowded. I am guessing it was Drew McVety (listed as standby)? Please correct me if you believe I'm wrong, everyone!
My parents were at the matinee on Wednesday and it was Drew in for Tim. I believe they said it was his first performance. I Saw him later on the weekend going on for Steve Rosen. He did a great job.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you agree with me!!!! My boyfriend and I had such a great time! I remember meeting Drew from my high school-groupie-meeting the cast of Titanic (eeek!) days (that was a great day...my friend and I ran over the stage door of The Scarlet Pimpernel and got a pic with Terrence Mann). Thanks again!