Drury Lane musical truly 'Spamtastic'
Drury Lane Theatre audiences have nothing to complain about when it comes to accommodations. The chandeliers sparkle. The red velvet seats are comfy. The leg room is ample.
Yet patrons will leave William Osetek's boffo production of “Monty Python's Spamalot” with sore cheeks. The cheeks in question being those flanking the nose and above the mouth, which will have been stretched ear-to-ear with a grin lasting the duration of this fantastically fatuous musical by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.
Aching jowls are a small price to pay for the pleasures provided by Drury Lane's regional premiere of the delectably absurd “Spamalot,” which had its pre-Broadway premiere in Chicago six years ago.
Drawn from the legend of King Arthur and his knights, the show reflects the distinct sensibility of Monty Python, the British comedy troupe that counted Idle among its members and whose 1975 cult film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” inspired “Spamalot.” Sending up everything from overblown Broadway tuners to class privilege to gender roles, “Spamalot” pairs well-placed verbal and visual puns with familiar film bits involving churlish Frenchmen, killer rabbits, ni-sayers and one very tenacious knight — all of it underscored by cheeky humor.
The costumes, designed by Tim Hatley for the London production, sparkle, and Christopher Ash's set and projections are the kind of top-drawer visuals you'd expect from a Broadway production. Factor in Tammy Mader's gung-ho choreography, a spunky octet under music director Roberta Duchak and conductor Ben Johnson, and a flying showgirl, and you're in for a heckuva good time.
All in all, it's a winning combination, expertly conceived by the resourceful Osetek whose frisky, fast-paced production offers a perfect antidote to midwinter malaise.
Led by David Kortemeier's endearingly self-important Arthur, Osetek's primo ensemble walks the tightrope between sincerity and irreverence without slipping once.
Gina Milo is the very definition of versatile. The powerhouse singer channels Liza, Cher and Celine as the Lady of the Lake, a diva who doesn't take kindly to being out of the spotlight. Then there's the ideally cast Matthew Crowle (a veteran of the Broadway production) as Arthur's faithful squire Patsy, a man of low rank and superior perception whose jolly earnestness on “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” should convert the most dedicated pessimist.
Adam Pelty makes a splendid Sir Robin, a timid knight who'd rather dance than fight. John Sanders is in classic leading man form as the virile Sir Lancelot, who uncovers his inner Peter Allen courtesy of the fey Prince Herbert (the irresistibly mincing Jackson Evans). Rounding out the cast is the very funny Sean Allan Krill shifting from disgruntled peasant to pretty boy Galahad with a flick of his golden locks, and Bradley Mott, as the saucy Mrs. Galahad and the gassy Sir Bedevere.
A palpable sense of glee underscores the performances. They're accompanied by a wink and a nod that confirm we're all in on the joke Osetek and company tell so remarkably well.
“Monty Python's Spamalot”
“Monty Python's Spamalot”
Location: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 530-0111 or drurylaneoakbrook.com
Showtimes: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday; 1:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday; 8:30 p.m. Friday; 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday through March 6
Running time: About two hours, 20 minutes, with intermission
Tickets: $31-$45; lunch and dinner theater packages from $45.75 and $68
Parking: Free lot and garage adjacent to theater
Rating: For teens and adults; includes strong language and adult content