Theater Review: 'Monty Python's Spamalot' Tour at the Bushnell

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch Neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

The touring company of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” has bounded on the stage at The Bushnell in Hartford. The silliness continues for eight performances through Dec. 14.

“Spamalot” features a book and cheeky lyrics by Eric Idle, one of the original six creators of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” and music by Idle and his long-time collaborator John Du Prez. It is described as “a musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture “Monty Python and the Holy Grail, from the original screenplay written by a committee of Monty Python guys. Needless to say, there are limited roles for women in this musical.

John Rhodes directed and choreographed the cast of this tour, with music supervision and additional arrangements by John Bell and music direction by Jonathan W. Gorst. David R. Fay, the president and CEO of the Bushnell, calls the holiday season a great time to “embrace the joyful absurdity of “Spamalot,” “sharing laughter and a night of irreverence together.”

The cast works together to bring out all of the broad comedy imbued with the Python silliness.

Major Attaway leads the cast in the role of King Arthur and his stage presence shines. Attaway hails from Fort Worth, TX and on Broadway starred as the Genie in “Aladdin.” At points in his vocal performance, it was easy to see that he must have been a great Genie.

Sean Bell is the adorable Sir Robin, as well as Guard 1 and Brother Maynard. Bell made his Broadway debut as Bobby in “Harmony.” Chris Collins-Pisano, who has appeared in the tours of “Elf” and “Forbidden Broadway,” covers the roles of the hunky Sir Lancelot, as well as The French Taunter, Knight of Ni and the terrifying Tim the Enchanter.

Leo Roberts (“Mrs. Doubtfire: tour) plays Sir Galahad, The Black Knight (It’s just a flesh wound,) and Prince Herbert’s Father. Ellis C. Dawson III (“Hamilton” in the tour) plays Dennis’ Mother, Sir Belvedere and Concorde.

Amanda Robles wails as the Diva soprano that is The Lady of the Lake in stunning costumes. L’ogan J’ones (“SpongeBob” on Broadway) is the Frog DJ, and Sir Boors. Connor Coughlin (“Funny Girl” tour) is Sir Not Appearing, and Ben Lanham is the month who collects “arms for the poor.”

Steven Telsey, who made his Broadway debut in “Harmony,” introduces the show as the Historian “I said England,” as well as Not Dead Fred, Baby, Nun, Mime, Minstel, the besotted Prince Herbert and Bunny. Blake Segal (“Mary Poppins” national tour) plays the mayor, Guard 2 and the ever-loyal Patsy. J’ones and Coughlin are the supporting French Guards and J’ones and Nathaniel Mahone are the minstrels. Everyone in the ensemble is all into their performance.

You can’t miss Lindsay Lee Alhady, who was Hunyak in the national tour of “Chicago,” as the Knights of the Round Table Dancer. Emilie Renier works as dance captain (and there is plenty of tapping) and fight captain.

It is fun to notice all of the references to other Broadway shows that are part of this script. I noted “Chicago,” “West Side Story,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and especially the uber-contemporary “Wicked.” There were also some cute references to the holiday season, like “Jingle Bells” The big production number of “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” and “His Name is Lancelot” are hysterical.

The set design amplified by projection design is the work of Paul Tate de Poo III and Cory Pattak has designed the lighting that makes it all look spectacular.

There is a plethora of costumes designed by Jen Caprio (“Falsettos,” “Spelling Bee”) that bring the characters to life. Don’t miss the green outfits for Sir Robin’s minstrels and all of the lavish changes for the Lady of the Lake. Hair and wig design is by Tom Watson. The sound design by Kai Harada and Haley Parcher worked well on opening night.

The “Spamalot” orchestra is directed by Gorst on keys one and associate music director Shane FFrench on keys two. Brandon Wong on drums is the third musician in the pit that travels with the tour. The remaining musicians in the Hartford pit are local musicians.

The knights ride into The Bushnell for 8 performances. The silliness is presented with a 20-minute intermission and runs about three hours. Don't miss this quest for the Holy Grail of musical comedies Dec 9-14. Tickets at bushnell.org

Original Broadway Company - captured by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman.

To round out one’s holiday plans, the beautifully decorated Bushnell will present Connecticut Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 20 - 21, featuring guest stars from NYC Ballet and American Ballet Theatre with live accompaniment by the Hartford Symphony.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch. She was a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper.

Check out the new website for Nancy Sasso Janis Theater Reviewer at in-the-wings-20.square.site.

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