An Exceptional Value and Hilarious! Monty Python’s Spamalot at Mercury Theatre Chicago (Through November 3, 2019)

Spamalot is the musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which was released in 1975. The original screenplay was written by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. It was adapted into a musical by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. Spamalot’s world premiere took place as a preview at Chicago’s Schubert Theatre starting on December 21, 2004 and then moved to Broadway beginning on February 14, 2005. It was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and it won three including Best Musical. Now, in September 2019, it opens at the Mercury Theatre Chicago.

In the story, King Arthur gathers a group of men to find the holy grail. On their quest they come across a wide variety of characters including the Lady of the Lake, the French Taunter, the Knights of Ni, Tim the Enchanter, the Black Night, and many more. One of the best scenes starts with a man ringing a triangle asking everyone to bring out their dead. Bodies are dragged out into the street to be removed. Then, one of the bodies simply says “I’m not dead yet.” “Yes, he is” says the man who dragged him out. “I feel happy”, says Not Dead Fred who then launches into a full song and dance number!

Jonah D. Winston (Avenue Q, Jesus Christ Superstar, Machinal, Longer! Louder! Wagner) is a strong, commanding, and hilarious presence as King Arthur. Matching his charisma and humor is Meghan Murphy as the Lady of the Lake. Many of the actors portray multiple roles with great style and oh so many costumes. Adam Fane is so funny as Not Dead Fred, Minstrel, and more. Karl Hamilton is exceptionally cast as Sir Lancelot, the Knight of Ni, and more. David Sajewich is solid as Sir Dennis Galahad, the Black Night, and Herbert’s Father.  The rest of the cast is absolutely fantastic also.

It’s a Broadway worthy show at midsize theatre prices! Get tickets now for Spamalot through November 3^rd!

Cost of a ticket: $50

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney