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

Dear World

 Dear World
New York City Center Encores!
March 16, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
New York City Center Encores!

Donna Murphy shines in the New York City Center Encores! production of Dear World.  Based on Jean Giraudoux’s The Madwoman of Chaillot, this is a rarely seen Jerry Herman gem.  The book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is whimsical and charming.  First presented on Broadway in 1969, Dear World ran for 132 performances and 45 previews.  Angela Lansbury won a Tony Award for her performance as the lead character.

It is another rainy day in Paris, yet Countess Aurelia (played by Donna Murphy), also known as the Madwoman of Chaillot, requests to be served outdoors at her favorite sidewalk café.  Everyone quickly follows her lead, and begins to see the world a little brighter.  Meanwhile, the President (played by Brooks Ashmanskas) receives information from the Prospector (played by Stanley Wayne Mathis) that there is oil beneath the streets of Paris, particularly under Countess Aurelia’s favorite outdoor café.  He orders his assistant, Julian (played by Philip Johnson Richardson) to blow up the café so it will be worthless to anyone but him.  He will then mine the oil for his personal gain.  Julian is unable to carry out the orders, and attempts to kill himself.  A Policemen (played by Eddie Korbich) takes Julian to the café to revive him from his suicide attempt.  When he awakens, Julian looks into the eyes of Nina (played by Samantha Williams).  They instantly fall in love.  Julian tells Countess Aurelia of the President’s plan to take over Paris.  She consults with her close friends Constance (played by Andréa Burns) and Gabrielle (played by Ann Harada), both of whom are also madwomen, to come up with a plan.  They bring in the Sewerman (played by Christopher Fitzgerald) to help carry it out.  Can the plan of three madwomen conquer the greed of the rich?   Will Julian be able to turn his back on his ruthless boss and choose love? 

Photo courtesy of
New York City Center Encores!

Dear World was originally conceived as a chamber musical.  Despite the expansive size of City Center, this production captures the intimacy of the piece.  The scene in Act II between Countess Aurelia (Donne Murphy), Constance (Andréa Burns) and Gabrielle (Ann Harada) is enchanting.  The songs “Memory, “ “Pearls,” “Dickie,” “Voices,” and “Thoughts” culminates in “Tea Party Trio,” bonding these three character in their unique view of the world.  These three actors are stunning together.  Their timing is in total sync, and their voices blend beautifully.  This is followed by “Have a Little Pity on the Rich,” sung by Christopher Fitzgerald as Sewerman.  He is funny, sarcastic, and dark.  He sells the song for all its worth.  

Donna Murphy as Countess Aurelia
Photo courtesy of New York City Center Encores!

The Encores! Orchestra, under the direction of Mary-Mitchell Campbell brings Jerry Herman’s score beautifully to life.  The title song sends a strong message that is still relevant in today’s climate.  Director/Choreographer Josh Rhodes unites this skillful cast in finding the charm and passion deep within this clandestine treasure.    

Dear World is playing at City Center through March 19. 

Domenick Danza