
Spamalot, listed on the playbill as Monty Python's Spamalot, is a Broadway musical comedy based on the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the source film, it's a broad parody of Arthurian legends and medieval adventures, although it adds more metatheatricality and comments on musical conventions, references to other shows (from Fiddler on the Roof and West Side Story to Company) and even incorporates a cameo by Don Quixote (as Sir Not Appearing, spoofing Man of La Mancha).
The original Broadway run, which began in 2005, lasted four years, and it received twelve Tony Award nominations. The cast album won a Grammy, and there was a Broadway revival in 2023, in addition to West End, tours, and regional and international productions.
References[]
- The musical was spoofed on Sesame Street in 2006 with a sketch titled "Scramalot." Oscar the Grouch introduces it as the "Grouch theater hit of the season" which won 10 Groany Awards. The cast of Grouches, in silly medieval trash costumes, sing a number loosely based on "Knights of the Round Table" before it descends into arguing. The fact that the word "shrubbery" doesn't rhyme with Spam is a key point of contention (and element from both the musical and the source movie). Oscar, happily clutching his Playbill, loves it.
Connections[]
- Hank Azaria originated the roles of Sir Lancelot, the French taunter, Knight of Ni, and Tim the Enchanter on Broadway
- Simon Russell Beale was a replacement as King Arthur on Broadway and the West End
- Thomas Cannizzaro originated the French guard and ensemble roles on Broadway and was a replacement understudy and fight captain
- John Cleese played the recorded voice of God in the original Broadway and tour productions
- Randy Cohen was assistant conductor and played keyboard during the original Broadway run and programmed synthesizers for the 2023 revival
- Kevin Covert originated the roles of Sir Not Appearing, a monk, and ensemble parts on Broadway
- Tim Curry originated the role of King Arthur on Broadway
- Warwick Davis was a replacement as Patsy, Mayor, and Guard 2 in the West End revival (2013) and the Hollywood Bowl production (2015)
- Peter Davison was a replacement as King Arthur on the West End
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson played Sir Robin, Guard 1, and Brother Maynard in the Hollywood Bowl production (2015)
- James Monroe Iglehart played King Arthur in the Kennedy Center production and 2023 revival
- Taran Killam played Sir Lancelot, the French taunter, Knight of Ni, and Tim the Enchanter in the 2023 revival
- Steve Martin played the recorded voice of God in the 2023 Broadway revival
- Mike Nichols directed the original Broadway production
- John O'Hurley was a replacement as King Arthur during the national tour
- Brad Oscar was a replacement as Sir Bedevere, Dennis's mother, and Concorde during the Broadway run
- David Hyde Pierce originated the roles of Sir Robin, Guard 1, and Brother Maynard on Broadway
- Joe Pasquale was a replacement as King Arthur in the 2012 West End revival
- Sara Ramirez originated the role of The Lady of the Lake on Broadway
- Craig Robinson played King Arthur in the Hollywood Bowl production (2015)