Hilarious Holy Hijinks Abound in Monty Python's Spamalot
Monty Python’s Spamalot is currently delighting audiences at The Bushnell in Hartford through Sunday, December 14. With a book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by Idle and John Du Prez, the musical is “lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” from the original screenplay by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Ide, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Following the adventures of King Arthur as he seeks out knights for his round table, and their ensuing quest to find the Holy Grail, the musical features all your favorite moments from the movie–from the carnivorous rabbit, to the French taunters, to the Knights of Ni. Songs such as “I Am Not Dead Yet,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” and “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” pack the show with memorable and hilarious tunes that you’ll be humming long after the curtain goes down. The tour is directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes, with Derek Kolluri as associate director, Michael Fatica as associate choreographer, and Jonathan W. Gorst as music director. John Bell provides music supervision and additional arrangements, with Larry Hochman as orchestrator, Glen Kelly as music arranger, and David Lai as music coordinator.
The National Tour Cast of Spamalot (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
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The Broadway Cast of Spamalot (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
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Major Attaway is a humorous force as King Arthur. His comedic timing is great throughout, and he brings lively energy to the role. At his side is Blake Segal as Patsy, who is positively endearing. He’s always right behind the King with his cantering coconut shells, and Segal truly shines in “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” I also enjoyed the back and forth of “I’m All Alone” between Attaway and Segal, ending in that final touching moment they share. As the Lady of the Lake, Amanda Robles is a powerhouse vocalist who steals every scene that she’s in. She has a wonderful stage presence, and plays up the diva character in all the best ways.
There are a number of actors who play a lengthy list of characters–switching voices, accents, costumes, and more from scene to scene. One such performer is Steven Telsey, who opens the show as the Historian, before giving dynamic performances as Not Dead Fred, Prince Herbert, and many more, from the nun to the mime, to Sir Robin’s Minstrel. Telsey is hilarious, and exudes energy in each and every moment, from tumbling about as Not Dead Fred, to leaping and twirling across the set as Prince Herbet. Chris Collins-Pisano also handles a lengthy list of characters, from Sir Lancelot, to the French Taunter, the lead Knight of Ni, and Tim the Enchanter. Collins-Pisano’s character work is fantastic, and the audience was constantly laughing at the many humorous moments he provides. Each character is distinct, featuring exaggerated accents and characterizations that thrive within that Monty Python world.
As Sir Robin, Sean Bell is a delight. He plays the range of the role well, from the nervous knight too afraid to charge into battle, to the showbiz star in “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” which is a highlight of the show. Bell also adds extra humor as Brother Maynard with the blessing of the Holy Hand Grenade. Leo Roberts plays the dashing Sir Galahad, also delivering wonderfully comedic moments as the iconic Black Knight and Prince Herbert’s Father. Roberts has an impressive, rich voice that I wish we had more chances to hear on solo work, but his rendition of “The Song That Goes Like This” with Robles is top-notch. Ellis C. Dawson III completes the Knights of the Round Table as Sir Bedevere, whose wooden rabbit plan has the audience in stitches. Dawson also gets laughs as Dennis’ Mother, and as the loveable Concorde, serving under Sir Lancelot.
Spamalot features a talented ensemble who execute the entertaining choreography well, including Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Connor Coughlin, L’ogan J’ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone, and Meridien Terrell, with swings Jack Brewer (assistant dance captain), Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier (dance and fight captain), and Mark Tran Russ.
There are a number of actors who play a lengthy list of characters–switching voices, accents, costumes, and more from scene to scene. One such performer is Steven Telsey, who opens the show as the Historian, before giving dynamic performances as Not Dead Fred, Prince Herbert, and many more, from the nun to the mime, to Sir Robin’s Minstrel. Telsey is hilarious, and exudes energy in each and every moment, from tumbling about as Not Dead Fred, to leaping and twirling across the set as Prince Herbet. Chris Collins-Pisano also handles a lengthy list of characters, from Sir Lancelot, to the French Taunter, the lead Knight of Ni, and Tim the Enchanter. Collins-Pisano’s character work is fantastic, and the audience was constantly laughing at the many humorous moments he provides. Each character is distinct, featuring exaggerated accents and characterizations that thrive within that Monty Python world.
As Sir Robin, Sean Bell is a delight. He plays the range of the role well, from the nervous knight too afraid to charge into battle, to the showbiz star in “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway,” which is a highlight of the show. Bell also adds extra humor as Brother Maynard with the blessing of the Holy Hand Grenade. Leo Roberts plays the dashing Sir Galahad, also delivering wonderfully comedic moments as the iconic Black Knight and Prince Herbert’s Father. Roberts has an impressive, rich voice that I wish we had more chances to hear on solo work, but his rendition of “The Song That Goes Like This” with Robles is top-notch. Ellis C. Dawson III completes the Knights of the Round Table as Sir Bedevere, whose wooden rabbit plan has the audience in stitches. Dawson also gets laughs as Dennis’ Mother, and as the loveable Concorde, serving under Sir Lancelot.
Spamalot features a talented ensemble who execute the entertaining choreography well, including Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Connor Coughlin, L’ogan J’ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone, and Meridien Terrell, with swings Jack Brewer (assistant dance captain), Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier (dance and fight captain), and Mark Tran Russ.
(L-R) Michael Fatica, Taran Killam, Drew Reddington, and Ethan Slater in the Broadway production of Spamalot (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
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The Broadway Cast of Spamalot (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
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Scenic and projection designs by Paul Tate dePoo III bring the world of King Arthur to life with elaborate castles, flashing neon lights, and plenty of flare. The projections are rather campy, but it serves the Monty Python aesthetic well. Costumes by designer Jen Caprio are fun, capturing the characters and iconic looks throughout. Hair and wig design by Tom Watson is very well done. Lighting designer Cory Pattak builds off the scenic elements with light and color, filling out the dazzling look of the show. Sound design by Kai Harada and Haley Parcher is strong throughout, with a good balance by the sound team, even in the very large Mortensen Hall.
Christopher Fitzgerald, James Monroe Iglehart, and the Broadway Cast of Spamalot (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
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The Broadway Cast of Spamalot (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)
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If you’re looking for fun, campy, over-the-top humor–Spamalot is the perfect show for you! Warm up on a cold day with this hysterical classic, now on tour.
Spamalot plays December 9-14, 2025, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at bushnell.org/shows-concerts/spamalot or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900. Learn more about the National Tour of Spamalot at spamalotthemusical.com.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Spamalot plays December 9-14, 2025, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at bushnell.org/shows-concerts/spamalot or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900. Learn more about the National Tour of Spamalot at spamalotthemusical.com.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.