Spamalot Review -- March 15

[BroadwayMel]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 7:51am

Ah...Spamalot. First and foremost, there has been SO much buzz about this show and the cast, I was preparing myself to be disappointed.

I was only half right. In all fairness, I've seen MP's Holy Grail once -- I liked it, but I'm certainly not among the cult masses that follow the show -- and the cult masses were certainly in the house. (Note: I know you've seen the movie tens, if not hundreds of times; however, it is really unnecessary to mouth familiar scenes. OK, off the soapbox.)

The show is very fast-paced and immediately sets the tone with the overture. Without a doubt, the audience is on the cast's side from the beginning -- the laughs come often and hard. The comedy is a bit slapstick, but for those theater-lifers out there, you'll really enjoy all of the hidden jibes at Broadway musicals. While I never lacked for laughs, I do have to say that the show is SO jam packed with slapstick humor, that you sometimes miss some really funny moments because you're still laughing at the last joke. (I guess that's not really a bad thing.)

Onto the cast. Who could ask for more? Sara Ramirez certainly lived up to the buzz. Her comedic timing was excellent -- she reminded me a bit of Madeline Kahn at times. The diva's lament is not to be missed. However, I have to hand it to David Hyde Pierce who brought down the house with "You Won't Succeed On Broadway." Tim Curry and Hank Azaria were terrific - as always.

Is it the next Producers? I don't think so. The humor of Spamalot is definitely more niche comedy. While they've toned it down a bit, I think it still lacks the mass-appeal humor that The Producers has on Broadway. That's not to say that I don't think the show will be on Broadway for a long time -- its definitely entertaining and there's enough buzz the keep it going for years.

How does it stack up to the other shows and casts in terms of awards? Ladies and gentlemen...I believe it will be our Best New Musical of 2005. However, I'm really on the fence about the show picking up any number of acting awards. While Sara will definitely pick up a nod (and probably a win) in the supporting actress category, I'm not sure where the chips will fall for the men. It's definitely an ensemble show. My bet is that we'll see a leading actor nod for Tim Curry and a supporting actor nod for David Hyde Pierce. HOWEVER, the best actor/supporting actor category is going to be REALLY tough this year -- and I really think that Norbert might pull through with the win. His role really puts him in the spotlight and allows him to showcase his talents. (Well deserved!)

As a whole, I really enjoyed myself. It's shaping up to be a pretty good season. Stay tuned, humble listeners -- I'll regale you with tales from Light in the Piazza - which I'm seeing on Friday.

[paradox_error]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 8:33am

A nice, even review. I'm glad you weighed what you viewed as negatives with positives.

From all I have heard, your review included, this show will be great to see!
Updated On: 3/16/05 at 08:33 AM

[Jon]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 9:20am

Buzz is strong for N.L. Butz - the question is which category he'll be in, and which category Hyde-Pierce and Azaria will be in. Christian Borle aslo gives a great "featured" performance.

The Spamalot cast is an excellent argument for a "Best Ensemble" Tony.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 9:28am

I dont agree that it will be our BEST MUSICAL OF 2005, I honestly think that title will go to DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, much more memorbale music and I was laughing much harder at DRS then SPAM - anyway...Agreed about Norbert, but I honestly dont think all 3 guys from SPAM will be nominated, they all shouldnt be really. Yes, they were good, but Tim Curry did SOOO little but will probably receive a nod. Pierce will PROBABLY, not certainly, get a nod for the second act show-stopper alone (and probably what they will do at the Tony awards), but Azaria - I dont see getting a nom, and if Borale does sneak in there it will be featured - agreed.

[BroadwayMel]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 9:59am

You know, I loved DRS -- I've only seen it *cough* 5 times. However, looking at the show as a whole, I stand by giving the edge for BNM Tony to Spamalot.

1) The show has an all-star (somewhat mainstream) cast - and they don't fail to entertain. Lithgow certainly has a following; but I felt his performance fell a bit short. Joanna Gleason can bring in some buzz, but I don't think she will pack the house like Curry, Pierce, and Azaria.

2) Spamalot moves quickly and the laughs are constant. DRS definitely has its lulls. My one thought on DRS was that a few scenes were a bit too long. (That's not to say that when you laughed - you laughed HARD.)

3) A nice, breakout role for Sara Ramirez. OK, I will certainly hear the argument that Freddy is a breakout role for NLB. However, I've got to put this in the spectrum of my analysis.

4) Better sets, lighting, etc. Yeah, I wasn't really impressed with the DRS sets. And, this should factor into the overall BNM decision.

What does DRS have? Well, a better score for one. The vocal talent (ala Norbert, Gregory, and Joanna) is also far superior to that of Spamalot. Maybe this will give it an edge.

As for acting nods -- I don't think the entire cast of Spamalot will be nominated (nor should they be in a year that is proving to be stiff competition in both the Actor/Supporting Actor categories). Curry and Pierce, probably -- however, I don't think they'll win.

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 11:22am

DRS's only shot at winning the best musical award was blown when nearly all the critics gave it mediocre reviews. If Spamalot comes away with positive reviews and/or raves, the only thing slightly in its way will be Light in the Piazza (i think spelling B is TOO small of a show to stop Spam)

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 11:50am

Theatreboy33 - I strongly disagree. I dont think the SPAM reviews will be enough to propel the show to Tony victory (the show itself certainly isnt.) It'll be another battle of the new musicals thats for sure, but if everyone was SMART, the award should go to DRS or even SPELLING BEE. SPAM will play JUST FINE without the award. An award for one of the other 2 will propell it to long lasting staying power, especially DRS.

[wendy72]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 11:58am

I can't imagine Norbert won"t be Nominated for best Actor vs. Supporting--he is on the stage almost constantly.

[BroadwayMel]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 12:00pm

To quote: If they were SMART.

Good luck with that one. There have been many years that I've questioned that myself. There needs to be some recognition that the Tony voters are human -- they hear the buzz just as much as we do. Personal preference plays a HUGE bearing on their decisions. (OK, I'm still bitter that The Lion King won over Ragtime.) Awards do not necessarily guarantee a theatrical success, although it never hurts.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 12:05pm

Lets not even get started on the LION KING vs RAGTIME debacle. I agree 100% and pray they arent dumb enough to let it happen again. HYPE does NOT equal Great Quality, it equals wonderful Marketing - anyone ever think of a Tony Marketing Award? Then I would say SPAM hands down!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 2:54pm

My question is whether or not Spamalot will be as big a box office draw as it is now with a new cast. I think the main reason it's got so much buzz is because of the amazing cast. But I'm not sure it will be that compelling with a new cast. I'm not sure if ppl are going to the show for the show (i.e. Monty Phython) or for the cast.

[jesseeinstein]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 3:35pm

I really hope that Bee will get best musical!

[riv]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 4:32pm

I really hope ANYTHING gets best musical instead of this. I'm speechless.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 4:44pm

Really, riv? You think Brooklyn and Dracula are superior to Spamalot? In what ways?

[riv]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 4:56pm

I'll stop meaning that literally tomorrow morning, after a good night's sleep.

Thank God it was short.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 5:14pm

Well, Id have to disagree about DRACULA, but BROOKLYN (at least the performers got to show off their vocal ability!)

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 5:20pm

"Well, Id have to disagree about DRACULA, but BROOKLYN (at least the performers got to show off their vocal ability!)"

I take it you like American Idol? Sure they get to show off their vocals using the same generic faux R&B you hear absolutely everywhere. Sara Ramirez, Christian Borle and Chris Sieber all get to show off their voices as well. The difference is, they get to perform better material.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 5:22pm

raising my glass to you, Mister Matt. I have been fortunate enough to see both Spamalot and Brooklyn, and in my mind there is no comparison. (But everyone is entitled to their opinion. Like that diplomatic answer?)

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 5:22pm

As of now are we going with Spamalot or DRS?
Who thinks Spelling Bee might sneak in at the last minute? I do. I hope so. :)

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 5:24pm

Don't forget Piazza! It's an understated, but unforgettable show.