Spamalot--why the fuss?

[AbzugFan]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:18pm

Saw it today, and I may have been one of the few in the theatre who didn't like this show at all. I mean, there were some moments that worked and which I found enjoyable (the knights who say Ni, some of the production numbers--or, parts of them), but overall it felt like a mess. So self-referential. There was just no there there, ya know?

In fairness, I am not a Monty Python fan, so perhaps that was the problem? I just don't get what all the fuss is about....

[cvapb]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:24pm

Im excited to see it b/c of whos in it! Its a great cast.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:24pm

It's a musical based on a Monty Python film with a very particular style of humor. Of course it's self-referential. I think there would be some disadvantage to seeing the show if you're not a Python fan, but there have been people who didn't like the film who did enjoy the show, so who knows? Maybe it's just not to your tastes. I thought it needed some tidying up, but overall was hilarious and entertaining. I think the Monty Python spirit was the "there" that for me, was definitely there.

[playbill_signer_05]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:29pm

Really? I LOOOOOVED Spamalot. Then again, I'm a huge Monty Python fan. I guess it's best for Monty Python fans, but I still say it would be great even if I didn't like Monty Python. It's just so hilarious...

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:32pm

"Spamalot--why the fuss?
Posted On: 2/14/05 at 05:18:21 PM

Saw it today, and I may have been one of the few in the theatre who didn't like this show at all."



You saw it today? At the Monday Matinee? And raced home to post this comment? (Note the time above)

I hate to be overly suspicious but isn't this review several hours too early? I believe the first performance doesn't begin for another three hours or so. I've seen posts that seem artificially enthusiastic but this is the first that seems to be a "Negative Shill".

[cvapb]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:33pm

lol.. good call JoeKV!!!! I so did not even catch that!

[Craig]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:38pm

Well today at 2 they had their Gyspy run through. It let out around 4:30... And it was packed to the gills, so it's not impossible :)

I loved it myself - but I'm a huge MP fan. Whenever you thought they couldn't take it further, they did and score almost 100 percent of the time. I've been told the Act I closer is changing from what we saw this afternoon.

They are definitely in great shape...

[Cyndy]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:49pm

I am so anxious to see Spamalot! I'm a huge MP fan from way back. I've got a ticket in the LAST row of the balcony though...so will have to remember to bring oxygen and a telescope!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:51pm

Yeouch-- so someone lucky enough to be invited to the gypsy run-through races home to slam the show on the boards? I am not sure which idea repulses me more.

When I saw it on Christmas in Chicago it seemed ready for Broadway to me. I loved it. Everyone I have talked to that saw it loved it. Looks like a big hit to me....

[WhiteRabbit]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:53pm

I thought Spamalot was great. MP fans will definitely like it. You Won't Succeed On Broadway is hilarious.

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:53pm

I wouldnt say the poster slammed the show. They just simply didn't enjoy it.

Spamalot doesn't strike one ounce of interest in me. MUCH MORE interested in Scoundrels.

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 5:54pm

I was there as well. Let out at about 4:30. The show was great, I loved it. Very funny, the audience at it up. Eric Idle also gave a very very funny speech before the show started. mike Nichols gave an alright one as well. I am just a little sad I didn't get a playbill, So I could like remember names of songs.

[AbzugFan]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:04pm

I'm having a friend who's seeing the show in a few weeks grab me an extra playbill, because I felt I was missing something without it as well.

And definitely didn't aim to slam the show. It just has such positive buzz, and I was looking forward to it so much, but it just didn't do it for me. I'm not one of those people who goes into a show wanting to be critical. I love musicals, and I want to love every single one I see. I guess that's an impossible wish. I did love Scoundrels, though....

[Ragtime322]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:26pm

I too saw it and yes he could have gotten home in PLENTY of time to write that review...the show was BARELY 2 hours...it was enjoyable. I will say that.

[JamieMcG]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:45pm

Oh, I have to say I haven't laughed that hard in a theater in a long time. Everyone in the cast is a standout...Christian Borle-PHENOMENAL, Sara Ramirez-STUNNING, Chris Seiber-A RIOT...I can't say a negative thing about it.

I don't think those who are Python fans are part of some elite club, but there are definitely moments where the audience applauds or laughs specifically from movie references, but nothing in the show excludes members of the audience who haven't seen the film(s). There were more laughs during the overture than I've heard throughout the course of some recent comedies on Broadway. Get a ticket while you can...this one will be around for a while methinks.

[magruder]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:45pm

It started a little after 2:00 and ended at 4:25. Where are you getting barely two hours?

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:48pm

If a show starts @ 2:10 & you have an intermission taht is why you have the barely 2 hours

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:48pm

I think that the problem with it is that it IS monty python and, like Star Wars, Star Trek, etc. has a following...

On the other hand, if you like MP, it'll be awesome!

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:50pm

I loved the show when I saw it in previews(my own fabulous experiences aside) and can't wait to get to NYC to see it in its somewhat revised form....Anyone care to share the cuts that have been made? (Other than the Cow song)

[Ragtime322]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:54pm

The show started closer to 2:15 and the intermission was 21 minutes...and the show got out (after a very long, although exciting curtain call) at 4:25...

[commasplice]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 6:58pm

"Burn Her" (the witch song) was cut in Chicago, too.

For those that saw the show today, how did they introduce Sir Bedevere? He was intro'd in the witch song before but since they cut it, he didn't have an intro.. just wondering if they added something for him, or if he just comes in with Sir Not Appearing and the other knights.

[loudasthehelliwant]

Posted: 2/14/05 at 9:02pm

I LOVED Christian Borle in this!

I don't think its the best show ever, but its a great musical comedy and a fun day/night of theater. It was a heck of a lot of fun in Chicago. Of course, I believe 98% of shows are overhyped/overrated, so I never go in expecting anything to live up to what I've heard...