I dislike Monty Python but I love musicals! What to do!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 5:21pm

and money is tight right now so I must choose my entertainment options carefully. It's here in Chicago, so close and the buzz is really enthusiastic but I've never liked Monty Python. Oh I am so torn!!!!! Anyone see it yet? Can you offer some insight as to whether you think non-Python fans would like it or not? Updated On: 1/6/05 at 05:21 PM

[GirlforTartaglia]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 5:30pm

I have a slightly negative outlook for Monty Python, yet I'm still seeing it in February because of the cast, the reviews, and the fact that it's a musical. And remember, we don't know how much more Mr. Curry is going to do!!

[WhereAmIGoingTo]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 5:50pm

I personally would say that if you don't like Monty Python then you won't like the show. Its a Monty Python musial with Monty Python spirit. Swallows carrying coconuts, knights who say ni, killer rabbits... they're all there. If you don't like them, you won't like the show. But that's just my opinion. *shrug* Do whatever you like.

[renthead2005z]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 5:55pm

I would go see the show...just see if you like it. Hell its a show so just, if anything just go out for a night of theatre.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 6:14pm

"Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries."

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 6:36pm

Ni!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 6:47pm

"Answer me these questions three. What is your name? What is your Quest? What is your favorite color?"

[Jon]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:21pm

Sorry, Spider, but the Bridgekeeper is not in the show. It simply would not work if two of the knights were thrown to their death.

Basically, the show follows the movie plot up to the Killer Rabbit. After that, it's all new stuff.

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:23pm

I hate Monty Python btu I want to see Spamalot for Christian Borle and Tim Curry.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:26pm

no bridgekeeper? He rocked. Oh well. New stuff, huh? Does it equal the brilliance of what came before it?

[Hank]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:28pm

I know how you feel. I hated the Little Women movie, have no interest in reading the book, but like you, I love musicals, and I totally adore Sutton Foster, so (luckily I'm not broke) so I'll see it for Sutton.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:34pm

1) You will never have a chance to see this cast live in person again.

2) Tim Curry! Right there! Breathing the same air?

3) If you don't go you will be kicking yourself next June when you watch the Tonys.

[WhereAmIGoingTo]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:40pm

My Fair Lady- Christian Borle is absolutely fantabulous in Spamalot! I really loved him.

Spider- What's done works better than trying to completely recreate the movie does. And, if I recall correctly, there is someone at least asking, "What is your name?" (right, Jon?) I dunno, it reminded me of the bridgekeeper for a split second even though it was different.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:42pm

Dang it! I want to see it.

[Jon]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 7:43pm

The new stuff inthe show has to do with it being a Broadway musical, and therefore it has to have certain required elements - such as a leading lady (Sara Ramirez), a happy ending, big production numbers, romantic pairings, etc. Pretty much the same way they built up the role of Ulla in The Producers and created a romance between her and Leo.

Let's just say, by the end of the show, the grail has been found, none of the main knights are dead (just the unnamed poor fellow who's head gets bit off by the bunny), everyone finds true love and lives happily ever after. Plus, there are two huge production numbers in Act 2 that have absolutely nothing to do with the original film.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 8:26pm

I agree that, if you dislike Monty Python's unique humor, you probably won't like this show. The night I saw it, the audience went crazy at the first "ni", the appearance of the French Guard, the Trojan Rabbit, etc. You wouldn't understand any of this if not a fan.

However, there are the added musical numbers, which should do more to please the musical theatre fans. I'm both a Python and musical fan, so I liked it all.

The only thing I didn't like so much was that the self-referential songs went a little too far. Songs about the songs themselves, or about how the actress has been offstage for a long time, or about how the show will do on Broadway. Funny to a point, but we passed that point midway through the first act.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 9:35pm

LOVED it. You should see it. If nothing else, to watch Tim Curry simply having fun with his part, Sara Ramirez blowing the roof off, Hank Azaria in any of his parts (Especially the French Taunter), the utter brilliance of Christian Borle, seeing David Hyde Pierce sing and dance, and because Christopher Sieber rocks. Oh, and Michael McGrath too. And the rabbit. And the Knights who say Ni!

....Ok, I'll stop. I loved it, obviously.

[Glebb]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 9:45pm

Not being too familiar with Monty Python's humor I was hesitant about seeing the show. I wanted to see it in Chicago because the buzz was so strong but I didn't know if I'd enjoy it.
I think MargoChanning was the person who gave me the impetus to do it.

I'm so glad I saw it. It was hilarious and the stage was dripping with talent. I'm lucky to have seen both The Producers and Spamalot in their pre-Broadway try outs.

[maggiwun]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 9:57pm

I was lucky enough to see the Producers in Chicago too and have tickets to Spamalot next weekend. I am going for the talent, but don't know anything about Monty Python. Could someone explain the "knights who say ni" joke?

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 9:59pm

It's not a matter of where he grips it, it's a simple matter of weight ratios: A 5 ounce bird cannot carry a 1 pound coconut!

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:01pm

What if there were 2 birds?

[Stagedoor2]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:14pm

I, too have never seen the movie and am not really all that familiar with Monty Python, but I really enjoyed it. There are also some musical theater references that absolutely had me roaring!

And to agree with everyone else -- the cast is just fantastic.

My advise -- go see it if you have the chance.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:21pm

"Oh, Zoot. Naughty, bad, wicked Zoot......You must give her a good spanking. And after her, spank me, and me, me too. Yes, you must give us all a good spanking."

And, no. I did not have to look at websites to find that quote. I can quote that pretty pretty much from memory.

Updated On: 1/6/05 at 10:21 PM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:42pm

"Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries."

Someone I knew was joking around one time and mentioned that quote...didn't know it was from Monty Python!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 10:44pm

yup, it is. It is when the frenchman was "Taunting" Arthur and his KANIGITS (knights).

"Go away or I shall taunt you a second time"