'Holy Grail' vs. 'Spamalot' -

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 10:09am

My wife and I saw "Spamalot last night in Chicago. Or should I say we saw the first act. We left at intermission, finding that fleeing into the near sub-zero temps more desireable than the half baked humor that is Spamalot. "Run away, run away" never had so much meaning as it did last night. My unsolicited advice (although we paid $140.00 to witness this mess) to the cast and crew is to keep the day job. To Mike Nichols; thank your lucky stars your wife has a pretty steady gig. To those who have tickets for future shows I would suggest ebay if you have the conscienece that would enable you to "sell" your tics to unsuspecting theater wonks. The "Bring out your dead" scene was lacking one body, The script, for this miscarriage of humor. Target audience may be 12-15 year old boys who can appreciate fart and rear end jokes. One final warning before I go... RUN AWAY!

[Megs11]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 10:19am

All I have to say is that I am really sorry you feel that way, but I absolutely loved it and I am sure everyone else is going to love it to.

** Just a note, people do not sell your tickets! You will regret it later **

[Glebb]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 10:27am

Loved it! Sets, effects, lighting, costumes, choreography, staging, book, musical numbers, humor and most of all the performances.

[Jon]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 10:50am

Well, if you missed Act 2, you missed most of what's wonderful about the show - all the surprises - big production numbers that have NOTHING to do with the original movie.

If you didn't like the "Bring out your dead" scene, you must not have seen the original movie - since it is nearly word-for-word identical. The fact is, there are millions of people who LOVE Monty Python's humor, and will love this show. I guess the sold-out house that gave the show a standing ovation, and actually applauded the BEGINNING of scenes such as "The Knights of Ni" and "The Killer Rabbit" don't know anything about good theatre!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 10:59am

Well, just joined to bash this show, eh? I have not seen it yet, but the people that I have talked to that have seen it LOVED it.
By the way, Nichols has a career of his own and even if this show were a huge disaster I somehow feel he will work again whenever he wants.

[BWayBoy88]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:13am

I think people either love or hate Monty Pithon humor.

[Megs11]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:20am

I know several people who hated the movie but absolutely loved the show.

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:25am

I knew I would be in the minority on this one. I guess my tastes in humor or "Good theater" are not with the main stream theater goers. I just wanted to voice my opinion to those who enjoy original, innovative or cutting edge humor in a live setting. In my humble opinion, flashy sets, goofy props and toilet humor just didn't cut it. "Good Theater" is always in the eye of the beholder. Unfortunately this beholders eye is black.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:35am

You obviously don't know very much if you think one show could sink Mike Nichol's career.

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:37am

He may not have a career after this injustice. I am sorry if my sudden joining of this site has offened you. I didn't read the condition that states you have to serve an "internship" before voicing an opinion.

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:42am

I was being slightly sarcstic to illustrate my point. I am sure Mr. Nichols will do just fine in the future. Sarcasm is form of humor which this play, in my humble opinion, needs.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:42am

Even if Nichol's had directed Dracula his career would still flourish.

[magruder]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:43am

Someone joining with the first order of business being to bash a specific show always looks suspicious.

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:51am

My apologies. The next time I join a discussion board I will try to throw bouquets first.

[magruder]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 11:53am

Probably a good idea. Losing the patronizing attitude would be a good idea as well.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:01pm

Okay, the show is called SPAMalot. It is based on Monty Python. What the f#ck did you expect? Did you not know what you were paying $140.99 for? If it ain't your cup 'o tea why even bother?

[BWayBoy88]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:02pm

Just a warning to you Scott-You are 100% entitled to your own oppinion, but be careful what you say here. It can get pretty ugly

[sabrelady]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:04pm

Dum dah. Dum dah. Dumdahdumdahdumdah- Scrreeech! ( as the shark pulls him under...)

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:08pm

Forgive me again. My intention wasn't to be patronizing. I was trying to adopt an air of condescension.

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:10pm

I am finding that out. Must have touched a nerve. But as our president once said- "Bring it on". I love sparring. It gives one a sense of a good joust from the days of Arthur.

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:12pm

i am unfamilair with the word"f#ck". Was that word used in the second act?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:17pm

So, Scott, I don't really care that you disliked the show. I am not a huge Python fan, myself. I bought tickets because of the talent involved and because, not being a huge fan of Mel Brooks or the film PRODUCERS, I missed the Chicago tryout of that show, and have regretted it ever since. So I will see SPAMALOT next week. I know what I am getting into.
Are you a fan of Python? The film? What did you expect, seriously, and I don't mean this in a mean way, but really, it is a pretty silly low brow film.

[scott6069]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:23pm

Low brow has defined my life. I really enjoyed the old Python stuff and enjoyed thr original movie. It simply wasn't funny. The jokes were stale and the woman who played "Lady of the Lake" was doing a poor imitation of Bernadette Peters (apologies to Ms Peters who I see as a huge talent). As I scanned the audience near the end of the first act, I saw more people with there arms crossed, expressionless than I saw people actually smiling and laughing. I hope they tweek the show before you see it.

[Megs11]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 12:25pm

SueleenGay, you will love the show. I am not a huge Monty Python fan myself but I absolutely loved it. Its an extremely talented and clever show. I think it is worth paying the money even, if its just to see Sara Ramirez steal the show from the guys everytime she comes on stage.

[VinnieTheIceman]

Posted: 12/24/04 at 1:58pm

I saw the first preview on Tuesday. Although I agree with some of what Scott said, I think act 2 helps to put the show in much better focus. By the time its over, most of the stupid humor make more sense and the audience gives it a thunderous ovation. It will be a hit in NYC.

Now, if you want to see a real stiff, why not try All Shook Up? A complete nightmare. Hopefully someone can stop it before it hits Broadway because it is a terrible mess.

I've seen Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as well, and Spamalot is far superior. Chitty is also not very good, although we'll see what Raul can do with it. It looks like a Spamalot season to me.