SPAMALOT Review- Page 2

[TheGaIsSilent]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 5:15pm

OK, I also don't think she'll be nominated because the night I went, she hit about a quarter of the notes, and sustained very few of them. Also, I didn't buy her acting. It came across as overly silly, even for Monty Python.

And re: her physical appearance, I said that I didn't get why she'd be wooing anyone. Doesn't mean other people don't.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 5:24pm

A well written review, but when I boil it down to specifics I get:

1) It wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

2) I didn't like it as much as the rest of the audience did.

My red flags go up when a reviewer calls a show "Overhyped and Overpriced." It may be impossible to go into a show without letting previous reviews shade your reaction, but you have to review a show with an open mind. And overpriced? Really? Isn't the show sold out for the next several months? Is it any more expensive than any other Broadway shows? In what way is it Overpriced?

And why must we say that bringing Monty Python's "Unique" sense of humour is a "Risky Venture?" Python has been consistantly popular for decades, in every format (TV, Movies, Recordings, Radio, Live Perforamnces) all over the English-speaking world. Why wouldn't a Broadway show be a big hit? If you don't like the humor, say so, but the film & troupe has been proven a bigger draw than say, "Hairspray" or even "The Producers."

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 5:36pm

TheGaIsSilent - Actually, she doesn't really woo anyone. She performs her task with Galahad and ultimately marries him. She doesn't woo anyone else at all. As for her performance, she must have been sick when you saw her. When I saw her, she raised the roof with Find Your Grail and performed some rather accomplished jazz riffs as well as belting the hell out of Diva's Lament hitting each pitch perfectly and had no problems sustaining any notes whatsoever. Her broad comedic style seemed to me to be a directorial choice that fit perfectly into the spirit of the show. I believe what you saw was an off night. I haven't heard these complaints about her from anyone else who saw the show. Her performance has virtually been the one positive common thread in every review.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 5:52pm

JoeKv99 it really doesn't matter to me what show has the bigger draw, it matters on what show has the better quality - and for me it certainly wasn't Spamalot - I found DRS far superior. There ya go - I wrote the review because I like to write reviews, garner what you may from it. Those were my thoughts!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 7:40pm

Yeah, didn't like Spamalot, got that. And that's fine-- everyone's welcome to an opinion. And your was well-written and I hope to hear more of your opinions.

I was just struck by the fact that you (and to be fair, many other posters on here) seem to think that the idea of a musical based on the "unique" Monty Python humor is a long shot-- it's not. It's a far surer bet than any number of shows (including the two I named). You yourself say the audience was full of rabid fans who knew every word-- obviously the Python fan base can support a Broadway Musical.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 10:06pm

I am shocked this show isnt getting the reviews on here it was hyped to get...but Im kinda happy because Im want either DRS or Spelling Bee to win Best Musical.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 10:50pm

I agree that Ramirez is absolutely hysterical and PERFECT for the role - physically and vocally. She will absolutely get a Tony nomination and she'll probably win as well. I don't think being a Monty Python fan has anything to do with liking the show at all...my friend has never HEARD of Monty Python and she is now OBSESSED with the show. I have loved this movie FOREVER, and was very disappointed in the show.

Regarding the audience, the night I was there people were screaming out the punch lines as well, and started applauding and cheering like we were at a rock concert. That didn't detract from me liking the show, because I knew all the punch lines anyway.

I just wasn't impressed in any way by this show - save for Ramirez.

[TheGaIsSilent]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 11:29pm

wickedrocks - the hype came from the tryout in Chicago. Remember that Chicago audiences (and reviewers) are MUCH different from the rigors of NY.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/10/05 at 11:24am

We will see tonight-- I think it will get strong reviews from the New York Critics.

[TheGaIsSilent]

Posted: 3/10/05 at 11:30am

Joe, I think you mean a week from tonight.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan]

Posted: 3/10/05 at 11:40am

Ya, it doesn't open officially till next Thurs. Brantly loves his British humor, so I expect no less than an all out RAVE from him. He could surprise me and pan it - but then again, Im sure it will be one of his typical non comital hodge-podge's! That said, it should fare well, not grand, not awful - I expect very similar to the DRS reviews.