Spamalot

 Spamalot
St. James Theatre
December 2, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Spamalot

The Broadway revival of Monty Python’s Spamalot is over the top fun!  Director/choreographer Josh Rhodes has a strong handle on the material, keeping the pace moving quickly and the physicality precisely timed.  The scenic and projection design by Paul Tate de Poo III is brilliantly conceived and meticulously accomplished.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, delivering high energy performances with flawless consistency in humor and style.  

King Arthur (played by understudy Graham Stevens) is in search of knights for his round table.  He first meets Dennis Galahad (played by Nik Walker), who questions Arthur’s authority.  Arthur tells him of when he met the Lady of the Lake (played by Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer), received Excalibur, and took his rightful place as King of England.  Dennis is convinced, and knighted Sir Galahad.  Robin (played by Michael Urie) is interested in joining King Arthur’s round table, but is leery of the fighting it requires.  Lancelot (played by Taran Killam) guides him, and they both become knights.  With the addition of Sir Bedevere (played by Jimmy Smagula) the band of knights is complete.  When Arthur has an inspired vision, he and his knights set out on a quest to find the holy grail.  The journey is rough, full of surprises and challenges.  Arthur and his knights are forced to dig deep and find their truths.  

King Arthur & his band of knights
Photo courtesy of Spamalot

Graham Stevens (understudy) is commanding as King Arthur, gallantly leading his knights on their quest.  Michael Urie is witty and charming as Sir Robert.  His comic timing is impeccable.  Taran Killam is fearless and funny as Sir Lancelot.  His comic ability ranges from subtle humor to over the top bawdy.  Nik Walker is strong and bold as Sir Galahad.  He also plays the Black Knight and Prince Herbert’s Father.  All these roles are fierce and menacing.  Leslie Rodriquez Kritzer is alluring as the Lady of the Lake.  She is a vocal powerhouse.  

The Lady of the Lake
Photo courtesy of Spamalot

Ethan Slater plays numerous roles.  He keeps the narrative connected as the Historian.  The physicality of his character Not Dead Fred is perfect.  His portrayal of Prince Herbert is clever, sharp, and allows the plot to take an unexpected turn.  Christopher Fitzgerald is hysterical as Patsy, King Arthur’s side kick.  His presence is steady, and his physicality is brilliant.

If you want a boisterous good time, go see Spamalot at the St. James Theatre.  It will leave you feeling uplifted and positive, a feeling that can benefit us all. 

Domenick Danza

SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical

SpongeBob SquarePants

The Broadway Musical

Palace Theatre

Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

Tina Landau has taken the one-dimensional characters and elementary humor of a popular Nickelodeon cartoon and transformed it into a Broadway spectacular.  SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical is over the top fun!  Book writer Kyle Jarrow creates story arcs for each character as they hilariously struggle to achieve their goal.  The phenomenal cast personifies these under water creatures with strong physical and visual support by costume designer David Zinn and hair and wig designer Charles G. LaPointe.  The set, by David Zinn, explodes off the stage of the Place Theatre with imaginative shapes and vibrant color.

Danny Skinner, Ethan Slater, & Christina Sajous
Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

SpongeBob (played by Ethan Slater) starts his day at Bikini Bottom like any other.  We meet his friend Patrick Star (played by Danny Skinner), the cranky Squidward (played by Gavin Lee), Sandy Cheeks, the squirrel (played by Christina Sajous), Eugene Krabs, owner of the Krusty Krab where SpongeBob works (played by Brian Ray Norris), and his daughter Pearl (played by Jai’ Len Christine Li Josey).  They are all happy to face the day ahead, except Squidward of course.  Suddenly the ground shakes and there is a special report that a large and dangerous volcano, Mount Humungous, is ready to erupt and inevitably destroy Bikini Bottom.  Everyone goes into hysterics and is ready to follow the diabolical scheme of Sheldon Plankton (played by Wesley Taylor) and Karen the Computer (played by Catherine Ricafort) to flee for their lives, while unknowingly become hypnotized and under their power.  It is up to SpongeBob, Sandy, and Patrick to save the day.

Gavin Lee as Squidward
Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

The outstanding vocal characterizations and physical timing of the cast is fascinating.  It keeps the audience engaged throughout the show.  Ethan Slater is a phenomenon.  His amazing vocal range is only surpassed by his physical strength and dexterity.  Gavin Lee skillfully embodies the curmudgeonly Squidward.  He masterfully becomes one with his four-legged costume.  You can’t help but love and root for this downtrodden creature.  Danny Skinner is loveable as Patrick.  Christina Sajous is energetic and sharp as Sandy.  These four performers have a strong connection and genuine chemistry that builds as they face their outlandish and believable challenges.

Jai'Len Christine Li Josey as Pearl
Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

Jai’ Len Christine Li Josey is outstanding as Pearl.  She has a strong presence and powerful singing voice.  Brian Ray Taylor is a bold Eugene Krab, creating conflict and thankfully seeing the error of his ways in the end.  Wesley Taylor and Catherine Ricafort are positively evil.  Due to their amazing teamwork, their self-serving plan is raucously carried out with wicked detail and credible precision.   

SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical is scheduled to close on September 16.  With choreography by Christopher Gattelli and a score composed by a long list of famous musicians, Tina Landau has created a wild and crazy fun night of imaginative theatre.  You have only a few weeks left to experience it.  Don’t miss out!

Domenick Danza