Northwest Arkansans ready to ‘laugh themselves silly’

(Rogers, AR) The Arkansas Public Theatre production of Monty Python’s Spamalot hits Northwest Arkansas with a big dose of irreverent parody. Prepare to laugh yourself silly. Spamalot is a musical comedy adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The book and lyrics are by Eric Idle, music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. Like the film, the musical is a hilarious sendup of the legend of King Arthur and Camelot. The show features a bevy of showgirls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people.

Spoofing Monty Python is itself a feat, since Python itself spoofed many topics. But the show was both a critical and financial success when it opened on Broadway. With characters like Sir Lancelot, the Homicidally Brave; Sir Robin, the Not Quite So Brave as Sir Lancelot; Sir Dennis Galahad, the Dashingly Handsome; Sir Bedevere, the Strangely Flatulent; and Not Dead Fred, how could this musical comedy go wrong?

According to reports, “Broadway musical fans appreciate its references to other musicals and musical theatre in general, such as: The Song That Goes Like This (a spoof of Andrew Lloyd Webber productions and many other Broadway power ballads); the knights doing a dance reminiscent of Fiddler on the Roof, and another reminiscent of West Side Story (including the music); and a member of the French ‘army’ dressed as Eponine from Les Miserables.”

The original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and received 14 Tony Award nominations. Eric Idle wrote the musical's book and lyrics.

Performances are February 5-7, 11-14, and 18-20 at The Victory Theater in Rogers, Arkansas. Tickets are $17 and $30, and may be purchased online at www.ArkansasPublicTheatre.org, or by phone at (479) 631-8988.

Arkansas Public Theatre for the past 29 years has been a community-based organization that believes in the performing arts as an essential part of a healthy community and economy. They perform at The Victory Theatre in historic downtown Rogers, Arkansas.

The Gayly - 2/4/2016 @ 11:41 AM CST