John Simon Pans Spamalot- Page 2

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:29am

"Reidel was a kitten who I wanted to curl into a ball with."

OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD. My eyeballs are literally burning. I have never had this happen before. OHMYGOD.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:48am

I agree with everything he said about the show, except for Ramirez. I don't think it's overly nasty, it's the truth.

[Al Dente]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:52am

I think that in the case of Ramirez and the whole show in general, there was so much ridiculous and well over the top hype, that if time didn't come to a standstill while watching the show/Ramirez, it lends itself to such backlash. Friends of mine who have seen the show, although not as acerbic as Simon, had a very "eh" type of reaction to Ramirez' performance. If everyone would have simply let her be the lovely surprise instead of touting her performance as the second coming, then she might not have illicited such mean spirited comments. As I said in another thread, "toothy scenery devouring Ramirez" (Brantley), is not exactly flattering.
Updated On: 3/22/05 at 10:52 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 10:55am

Is it just me, or is saying that someone "devours scenery" a compliment? I always thought it was a compliment. I read something the other day from a very old review (about Carol Channing or Barbra, maybe) saying the same thing - and it was a positive rave. I don't think it's meant to be a bad thing...

[Al Dente]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:02am

That all depends on the nature of the performance. I haven't seen it yet, so I don't know what Brantley was going for, a dig, or praise.

[midtowngym]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:22am

Being jewish and gay, i'm no Simon fan. He's often a hateful philistine. But, he's right this time. I walked out of Spamalot scratching my head, thinking..."so THAT'S what the fuss was about? Laughing BEFORE a scene starts? 30 year old jokes?" And although i was a wee lad, i'm old enough to remember and appreciate Monty Python. But if i'd wanted a nostalgia trip, i could have saved $100 and gone through my mother's photo album.

Updated On: 3/22/05 at 11:22 AM

[Corine2]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 11:51am

Yikes.
But ahem Curry?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 2:02pm

"Hilaire Belloc’s scrumptious Cautionary Verses say: “A Python I should not advise— / It needs a doctor for its eyes.” "

Oh. My. God. Could he be more pretentious? I think not! For to quote a poem, so obscure/doth his insecurity now secure. This man is a joke, right?

And my one question id, how do the Python troupe (and Sara Ramirez) AVOID the "over-hype" that so many on this board have claimed ruined the show? Once they opened in Chicago, should they have purposely ruined a few scenes? Maybe Ramirez should have sung flat a few times?

I don't think anyone associated with the show (and certainly not the lady herself) has touted SR's performance as the "second coming". I have not read one interview with the lady where she's said "I am so damn good in this show you won't believe it. I am a shoe-in for a Tony. Just wait, I'm the best thing since Ethel Merman." Now that reviewers have said all that, what should she do? Quit the show?

Frankly the bitch deserves whatever slams she gets! HOW DARE SHE give a great performance! And then somehow get the critics to compliment her! Who the hell does she think she is?

[starlight2]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 2:11pm

Thanks Margo for the link, this guy is a real di.., and way off base, in my humble opinion! I loved the production and everyone in it, including the very hard working ensemble!

[bjivie2]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 2:19pm

"Sara Ramirez, as the Lady of the Lake, into which I’d rather have her go jump than emerge from, fails at everything: acting, singing, even looking right."

Wow. Never thought I'd hear that said about Sara. How can everyone basically love her and one person despise her THIS much?

[Corine2]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 2:26pm

Forbidden Broadway skit, much lengthier, unsnappier, and scenically overelaborate. Satirical spoofs want to be lean and mean; here, like that Very Expensive Forest that keeps reappearing as another and yet another part, the humor sinks from visual and aural obesity.

Always look on the dark side of life.
PS If it is anything like Forbidden Broadway i am really looking forward to it.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 2:32pm

“A Python I should not advise— / It needs a doctor for its eyes.” "

I still need a doctor for my eyes after getting a visual of Corine and Reidel curled in a ball. OHDEARGODOHDEARGOD.

[JaiRoAngel]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 2:35pm

All I can say to this review is "NI!".

[Corine2]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 2:36pm

Riedel is kind of cute in a geeky sort of way.


Updated On: 3/22/05 at 02:36 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/22/05 at 7:04pm

I think Simon should play the Black Knight - Wink Wink Nudge Nudge