Alright, I just got back from the Saturday matinee of Spamalot. Here's my review:
I loved the entire cast, some of which I have already seen in the show, and honestly, I was so impressed with Clay's performance. I mean, overall the singing, dancing, acting, three different characters/voices/accents were very well done. He was very good. And I thought his accents were fine throughout, so maybe he just had an off performance the other night? Or maybe he's finally completely comfortable in the role? Who knows. I did notice the muggy faces that were talked about earlier in this thread, but honestly, I thought it really worked for the character. Don't get me wrong, I loved David Hyde Pierce's dead-pan comedic acting for Sir Robin, he's just fantastic at it, but I also really loved Clay's. I really thought that it fit for the character, and good for him for making the part his own and trying to find things that worked. It was cool to see the role acted in another way. He also had great comedic timing throughout, I can seriously see what Mike Nichols was talking about when he raved about Clay. So to anyone who's saying "what do you expect him to say?", he wasn't just saying it to publically praise Clay. It was a deserved compliment. I really liked the added parts to some of the songs and higher notes, they really helped show off his voice, so that was cool. I thought the Idol joke in "All For One" was great, and I loved the yodeling. Great falsetto in that.
I was particularly looking forward to Clay's big moment in the show with "You Won't Succeed on Broadway". I'm a huge fan of that song, and the entire thing was just hilarious and fantastic. I loved the higher glory notes. You could tell he was having a lot of fun with it. One of my other favorite moments was when he was playing Guard 1...I was cracking up, as was the rest of the audience. I mean, the writing is obviously classic and fantastic, but Clay and Christopher Sieber played very well off of each other. Great comedic timing, particularly in that scene. I also loved him as Brother Maynard. His accent and comedic timing were spot on.
I met Clay after the show at the stage door. He was very humble and just excited to be there, and very appreciative of the fans. I've met him before, but it was nice to meet him again and tell him, even in the little time I had to do it cuz there were so many people there, how much I loved the show.
So I know that was a rave review, but I truly feel that way, it's not just cuz I'm a fan. Clay deserved that praise, and I think he's just going to get better and better throughout the run. I really hope that he continues on Broadway if any other opportunities come up, I was just so impressed with him. I knew that as a fan of Clay, the show itself, and Monty Python, I'd enjoy it; and I've been excited to see his performance ever since it was first announced, but this is a new thing for him, and I honestly didn't know he would be that great with comedic timing and interpreting the roles. I truly urge everyone to try to see the show, if possible. Even if you think you'll hate him in it, I think you should give him a chance to prove himself. I am a big fan of Clay, but I am also an unbiased theatre lover, and I don't think you'll be disappointed. So seriously, check him out if you can, I don't think you'll regret it. I know I'm definitely going to see it again. :)
There is only one you for all time. Fearlessly be yourself.
Updated On: 1/26/08 at 06:56 PM
