Laugh a lot at Spamalot: Mont Python returns to the Fisher
By Sue Suchyta
The Motor City can always use a good laugh, especially with winter and economic storm clouds closing in. And what better time to take the advice of one of “Spamalot’s” irreverent songs that urges us to, “Always look on the bright side of life?” The Tony- and Grammy-Award-winning musical is in town at the Fisher Theatre through Feb. 15, so don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss getting a dose of restorative laughter and comedy.
“Spamalot” is “lovingly ripped off” from the motion picture “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” It’s British humor at its best as King Arthur and his Knights search for the Holy Grail. Along the way they encounter dancing divas, a killer rabbit, flatulent Frenchmen, and a suicidal knight. “Spamalot” is a delightful respite from the economic woes waiting outside the stage doors, so enjoy some escapist fun while you can!
Richard Chamberlain leads the energetic and talented cast as King Arthur. It’s more than just another knight tale, though: It pokes fun at everything, including Broadway musicals. There are no sacred cows – in fact, a very creative taunting Frenchman throws a cow at King Arthur and his knights from the battlements.
The show will leave you whistling and grinning. Everyone will pick a “favorite” song, whether it’s the plague-inspired “He Is Not Dead Yet,” the battle retreat “Run Away,” the maiming-predictive “Brave Sir Robin,” the not-so-Kosher “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” or the flamboyant, “His Name is Lancelot.”
The physical comedy and sight gags add to the fun, as do the pratfalls and colorful costumes. Even the cheesy special effects, like a killer rabbit puppet or a doomed Trojan bunny, are giggle inducing. And true Python fans will appreciate the armless knight with red cloth streamers protesting that, “It’s only a flesh wound.”
Performances for “Spamalot” at the Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd in Detroit, are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m., with Sunday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
To buy tickets online, go to the Web site wwwticketmaster.com or wwwBroadwayInDetroit.com. To order by phone, call TicketMaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information, call (313) 872-1000, or visit www.MontyPythonSpamalot.com.
THE RAINMAKER COMING SOON TO PLAYERS GUILD
The Players Guild of Dearborn continues its season with N. Richard Nash’s romantic comedy “The Rainmaker.” The show, which opens Feb. 27, will run Friday through Sunday though March 15.
The show is set in the American West in a drought-ridden rural town during the Great Depression. Lizzie Curry keeps house for her father and two brothers, who seem more worried about her marriage prospects than their dying cattle. Into this setting comes Bill Starbuck, a con man, who promises rain in exchange for $100. A series of events are set in motion that will forever change Lizzie — and may find her love.
Kim Donovan is directing the show, which is co-produced by Dearborn’s John Sczomak and Cathy Zanardelli. The cast includes Dearborn’s Richard Bulleri as H.C. Curry, Tim Timmer as Noah Curry, Cory Weatherup as Jim Curry, Maria Kovac as Lizzie Curry, Kenyada Davis as File, Gary Regal as Sheriff Thomas and Ron Williams as Bill Starbuck.
Performances for “The Rainmaker” are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees.
The Players Guild of Dearborn Theatre is located at 21730 Madison in Dearborn, southwest of the intersection of Monroe Street and Outer Drive. The theater is handicap accessible.
Tickets are $15. Student discounts (with valid identification) and group discounts are available. For more information, call the Guild ticket line at (313) 561-TKTS, or visit the Web site at www.playersguildofdearborn.org.