Monty Python's Spamalot is a musical based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its title combines a reference to the popular Spam sketch from Monty Python's Flying Circus with a reference to the 1960 musical Camelot. The title also brings to mind a line from a song in the Holy Grail film: "We dine well here in Camelot / We eat ham and jam and SPAM a lot."

Eric Idle of Monty Python wrote the musical's script, and he collaborated with John Du Prez for the music and lyrics. It was directed by Mike Nichols, but features none of the original Python actors, with the sole execption of an audio recording of John Cleese as God. Top-billed actors include David Hyde Pierce as Sir Robin, Tim Curry as King Arthur, and Hank Azaria as Sir Lancelot; all of these characters being adapted almost directly from their counterparts in the source film. Sara Ramirez appears as the Lady of the Lake, a role that was added in order to create a female lead. In addition, all of these performers (apart from Tim Curry) fulfill a variety of ensemble roles.

The show officially opened in Chicago on January 9 2005 (previews began on December 21, 2004). The grand Broadway opening was on March 17 2005, with previews beginning February 14 2005. As of April 2005, it was sold out for most performances. One scene (a musical version of the famous witch-hunting scene) was removed in the Broadway version, apparently to cut down on time, although the scene had been called by many the "low point of the play".

Spamalot includes many referances to other Monty Python material, including a line sung from The Lumberjack Song, a nod to the "Ministry of Silly Walks" routine, and a singalong of "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life".

External links

• Official site