Pages

Friday, March 6, 2009

A Night Out at "Spamalot"

Last night I took Jim out for his birthday. His birthday isn't until Sunday, but last night was when we could get tickets for "Spamalot". I grew-up watching British comedies, including Monty Python. It is all very irreverent and a little bit rude. Well.......can be quite rude at times!! "Spamalot" was no exception to that. In fact, when we were leaving the theatre, Jim asked, "How come when something quite rude is said with a British accent, it is hilarious??" I don't know is my answer. But, this morning as I sat trying to work out how I wanted my blog to go today, I realised, whether it was intentional or not, there are lessons to be learned from this musical. So, read on for my wonderful insights!!!
One of my favorite parts is when the French insult King Arthur and his Knights. I wonder if they use the same insults every night, or think up new ones? This isn't one of my wonderful insights, I just liked this part of the play!
According to the playbill, "Spamalot is “lovingly ripped off” from the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. On a twenty-five-dollar T-shirt that’s for sale in the lobby, you'll find the catchphrase “I’m not dead yet . . .,” printed. The catchphrase, which is intoned throughout the evening by plague-ridden corpses, by dragooned (decided that this is my word for the day!) soldiers, and even by an amputee knight, seems fitting to me in these times of economic uncertainty: we must never give up, an act of defiance, never say die (ha ha, I crack myself up).
Richard Chamberlin plays King Arthur.
In one song he sings:
“For life is quite absurd,
And death’s the final word.
You must always face the curtain with a bow!”
In all its silliness, I think we can learn something from "Spamalot". "Always face the curtain with a bow." Always be gracious, always do your best, always take the high ground....the list could go on.

Sally-Ann

2 comments:

Becky said...

Jessica spent the night at our house and the subject of blogs came up at breakfast. Isn't this a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family? They're having a great time at youth conference, and you've raised a very polite daughter! Have a great day :)

Rhea said...

Glad you guys had fun! What a cool outing. My husband LOVES Monty Python. It's hilarious.