“Spamalot” is a gas!

I wasn’t all that wild about Monty Python before seeing a touring production of “Spamalot” at ASU Gammage a while back, but that was a conversion experience of sorts — wrought in large measure by the charms of a killer rabbit. I saw the Phoenix Theatre production of “Spamalot,” which opens their 2012/13 season, last Saturday — and felt perfectly satiated in the silly department only a minute or so into the show.

“Spamalot” imagines the quest of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table for the Holy Grail, a cup Jesus is said to have used during a final meal with his disciples. Think Middle Ages meets Vegas showgirls and you’ve got the Phoenix Theatre vibe — a truly extravagent blend of chainmail with cheekiness. Michael Barnard, artistic director for Phoenix Theatre, directs the show and does musical staging.

Cast members of Spamalot. Photo courtesy of Phoenix Theatre.

Monty Python’s “Spamalot” features book (the stuff you don’t sing) and lyrics by Eric Idle, and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. Its creators say it was “lovingly ripped off” from the motion picture “Monte Python and the Holy Grail,” which features a screenplay by Idle and five other fellows.

“Spamalot” stars U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Phoenix Theatre first-timer Joseph Cannon in the role of Arthur, but it’s David Errigo, Jr. rocking the role of Arthur’s sidekick Patsy who really steals the show. Phoenix Theatre’s own Robert Kolby Harper (Robin) and Toby Yatso (Lancelot) deliver exquisite comedic performances, and Harper seems to truly find his bliss while in tap dancing mode.

Kimberly Hamby brings big, beautiful vocals to the role of Lady of the Lake — hamming it up in ways only “Spamalot” afficianados will fully appreciate. Eddie Maldonado garnered well-deserved outbursts of audience laughter for his portrayal of Prince Herbert — one of many performances that make this take on “Spamalot” feel fresh.

The cast also includes Michael Andrako (Galahad), Jonathan Brian Furedy (Not Dead Fred/Historian/Robin’s Minstrel) and Chris Mascarelli (Bedevere, Herbert’s Father, Galahad’s Mother). Ensemble cast members are Heth’r Brady, Lauren Devine, Trisha Hart Ditsworth, Maris Fernandes, Tyler J. Gasper, Molly Lajoie, Nathaniel Luis, Logan Mitchell, John Wagner, Evan Tyler and Maldonado.

The creative team includes Pasha Yamotahari (assistant director/resident dramaturg), Alan Ruch (music director), Robert Kolby Harper (choreography), Mike Eddy (lighting designer), Robert Kovach (scenic designer), Dave Temby (sound designer), Tim Hatley (costume designer) and Tim Kauffman (hair and make-up designer) and several other fine folks. All delivered fabulous fare.

It’s hard to take anything too far in a show like “Spamalot” but Phoenix Theatre went there while having a tad too much fun with all things flatulent. Sure, the show is a gas — but I didn’t need quite that much of it. Still, it’s a sin easily forgiven in this quest for the holy grail, which turns a time filled with pestilence into such a lavish party.

— Lynn

Coming up: A play about play

“Winnie the Pooh” meets “Avenue Q”

A scene from Walt Disney Picture's Winnie the Pooh--which is full of playful letters and words

Lizabeth suggested at about 12:45pm Saturday afternoon that we hit a 1pm showing of Disney’s new “Winnie the Pooh” film, which gave us little time to transition from Eeyore to Tigger mode. But we made it, and enjoyed every second of nostalgia nirvana in the short 73 minute film.

“Winnie the Pooh” is a literature lover’s dream — filled with images of books, letters and punctuation marks that come alive (as muses, not monsters), and scenes of Pooh characters bouncing, stumbling and flying through the pages of a “Winnie the Pooh” storybook.

Tigger doesn’t text or tweet. Kanga and Roo get letters the old-fashioned way — in their mailbox. Friends work together to solve problems. They’re creative. They cheer each other on. And they accept one another, foibles and all. Pull out the Pooh books before heading to the theater — you’ll want to extend the movie magic with a few good reads when you get home.

Robert Lopez wrote music and lyrics for both Avenue Q and Winnie the Pooh

“Winnie the Pooh” is a lovely musical jaunt, full of classical music in various tempos and styles. The movie features an original score by Henry Jackman and original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, a married couple with impressive joint and individual credits.

Lizabeth spotted Robert Lopez’s name in the credits — because she’s familiar with his work on “The Book of Mormon” and “Avenue Q.” The couple share music and lyric credits for seven songs in the film. Anderson-Lopez voices Kanga and Playbill.com reports that Lopez makes the rumbling sound for Pooh’s tummy. It’s a gift, I suppose.

A careful review of the movie’s credits — which roll as some of the movie’s funniest antics unfold — reveals plenty of familiar names. There’s Zooey Deschanel, who contributes an original song and vocal performance for the film. And Craig Ferguson (the voice of Owl) of late-night fame.

Also actors who’ve voiced characters for Toy Story 3, Phineas & Ferb and SpongeBob SquarePants. Most endearing is the voice of Christopher Robin. It’s that of Jack Boulter, and it’s his first-ever voiceover role. I may have to enjoy the movie a second time just to relish all the voiceover talent — including narration by John Cleese, co-founder of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

A single line in the credits reads “Dan Read-In Memorium” — in honor of a longtime background and visual development artist for Disney Animation films who died in May of 2010 after battling melanoma. I read that donations to local SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) chapters were requested in lieu of flowers.

Film credits mention “caffeination by Carlos Benavides” and thank three museums, including Britain’s Victoria and Albert Museum, where film directors Stephen Anderson and Don Hall studied original “Winnie the Pooh” illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard. The original stuffed animals that inspired Milne’s stories for his son Christopher Robin Milne are housed at the New York Public Library.

Disney's Winnie the Pooh opens with pages from this 1961 book by A.A. Milne

Children and their grown-ups giggled throughout the film as Tigger pounced atop a downtrodden Eeyore, Owl recited his lengthy memoir, Roo braved the forrest in his tea cup helmet, Rabbit found comfort in a checklist and Pooh raced to escape angry bees. There were no angry birds back in author A.A. Milne’s day (1882-1956).

When characters ponder knotting a rope to rescue friends who’ve fallen into a pit, Eeyore suggest that “it’s all for naught.” Later he’s convinced that “we’re all gonna die.” Roo offers a deadpan “Send the pig” (Lizabeth’s favorite line) when scary noises loom, and Tigger spends a lot of time saying “it’s gonna be great.” Pooh dreams of honey, meeting frustrations with a simple “Oh, bother!”

Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh” website offers a “100 Acre Wood Personality quiz” for those of you who’ve yet to identify with a particular character, and there are plenty of games, activities and facts for younger “Pooh” fans. As other folks flock to Harry Potter’s Forbidden Forrest, I’m perfectly content to linger in the 100 Acre Wood.

— Lynn

Note: Lizabeth found a cool “10 Questions” interview of Robert Lopez by Belinda Luscombe of TIME Magazine in which he talks about his “personal connection with Pooh.” Click here to watch the video from TIME.com.

Coming up: Pardon my Pygmalion

Comicon tales

A few of Lizabeth's fun finds from Friday night at Phoenix Comicon 2011

It was “show and tell” at our house this morning — something my daughter, now 17, hasn’t done since circle time during kindergarten at Desert View Learning Center in Phoenix.

She awoke eager to show me her first day’s haul from Phoenix Comicon, taking place this weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center, which is billed as “the signature pop culture event of the Southwest.”

Autographed photos. Freebie like luggage tags and treat bags featuring faces of fan favorites. Posters to line the walls of her college dorm in NYC this fall — including one from a movie called “The Roommate” that’ll hardly make a glowing first impression.

We got our first taste of Phoenix Comicon 2011 while lunching at Majerle’s Sports Grill, across the street from the stage door at Symphony Hall, which we first discovered when Lizabeth performed the role of “party girl” in the Ballet Arizona production of “The Nutcracker.” The streets were dotted with folks wearing superhero T-shirts and other pop culture fare.

James was struck, while picking Lizabeth up after the event Friday night, by the blend of people intermingled in the streets — those finely dressed for an evening graduation ceremony, those donning patriotic garb for the Phoenix Symphony’s “Boogie Woogie Pops” concert and those whose tastes trend more towards Marvel’s “Green Goblin.” The city, like our three children, is growing up all around us.

Having a mom who blogs is a mixed bag. My kids know to offer a disclaimer for arts-related conversations that aren’t meant for public consumption. But sometimes they enjoy the opportunity blogging brings to spotlight the good things we discover during our daily travels.

Lizabeth was particularly animated while describing finger puppets she’d seen at one of the exhibitor booths at this year’s Phoenix Comicon. Finger puppets of cute, furry animals aren’t hard to come by. But “bacon” finger puppets — and even “finger” finger puppets — have a different sort of magic altogether.

Lizabeth took special care to snag a business card for Stacey Rebecca Gordon, proud puppet crafter and performer whose business is dubbed “Puppet Pie.” I was delighted to discover that Gordon — who describes herself as improviser, mom and wife — has a charming, cheeky blog complete with photos of her works.

One of Lizabeth's favorite actors is working to create a culture of literacy

Lizabeth was equally smitten with the “Kids Need to Read” booth. “Kids Need to Read” is a non-profit organization based in Mesa that enourages literacy, promotes social responsibility, fosters leadership and inspires imaginations. Canadian-born Nathan Fillion, one of Lizabeth’s favorite actors, is a co-founder of “Kids Need to Read.”

“I felt like such a geek,” Lizabeth told me during one of her many Comicon tales. I expected her to follow with a story of being the only person at the Convention Center sporting regular street clothes (if that’s what you call a purple “I’m Not Dead Yet” T-shirt from the musical “Monty Pyton’s Spamalot“).

But she was referring to gushing over someone she met at Comicon. Not a celebrity or actor protraying a super-hero, but a real super-hero — a librarian. Lizabeth shared with the librarian how much trips to our local libraries, still a favorite pastime for James and the girls, have meant to her through the years.

Libraries make the world feel bigger and more intimate at the same time, and no child should ever have to do without them. Lizabeth mentioned to the librarian she met at Comicon the fact that librarians she met as a child were always so nice, friendly and helpful.

Lizabeth shared that the librarian seemed genuinely touched by her words. Perhaps she, like many others, feels unappreciated or doesn’t receive nearly the recognition she deserves. It can’t help that so many libraries and other keepers and creators of culture are taking a hit during budget battles that strip pounds while trying to save pennies.

Tonight’s Phoenix Comicon events include the “Kids Need to Read Geek Prom,” sponsored by Bookman’s — with all proceeds benefiting “Kids Need to Read.”

Comicon also includes a film festival — with films sporting titles like “Laptop’s Revenge,” ” Paint-B-Que” and “Peace, Love & Tacos” (plus others with a more offensive vibe). But it’s Lizabeth’s flyer for a 2010 independent film titled “Beautiful Boy” that looks most intriguing. The movie hits Valley theaters in June.

As James headed out this morning to drive Lizabeth to downtown Phoenix for more Phoenix Comicon adventures, I commented that Lizabeth seems to be having the time of her life. He readily agreed, adding an insight of his own…

“She’s with her people.”

— Lynn

Note: Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix is home to the “Arizona Pop Culture Experience.”

Coming up: From Sondheim to South Park, Father’s Day meets JFK

Find your grail

In one of the few semi-serious moments during the musical “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” the cast sings a song about finding your grail. It’s hard to relate to because, frankly, I’m satisfied most days with simply finding my mail.

Lizabeth and I have long had tickets to see “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” which is being presented by Theater League at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix through Sunday.

I may have stumbled onto Monty Python a bit too early in life to really get the gag, so I can’t say that I was a huge fan going into this show. But my appreciation for the offbeat humor has grown since seeing “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”

Though the comedic elements differ, this show reminds me in many ways of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Just add in plenty of references to gay men and Jews, and props such as herring.

Loved the lively music, colorful costumes and bright, shiny lights. Loved the references to pop culture from Britney Spears to Lady Gaga. Loved the scenes spoofing other musicals (I won’t name names). Loved Sir Robin (Martin Glyer) and The Lady of the Lake (Caroline Bowman).

I don’t know that I’ve ever laughed as much, or as loudly, as I did throughout this performance. Folks sitting nearby would be asking for refunds had they not been suffering from a similar affliction. Plus, as a character notes during the show: “What happens in Camelot, stays in Camelot!”

Before the curtain came up on Act I, a Theatre League representative announced their 2011-2012 season — which includes “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Rat Pack is Back,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Grease” (plus some other goodies you’ll find noted on their website).

He also announced that students from a local high school were in the house (there to support a teacher all duded up with knight gear for a brief bit in the show). I chatted with four of the students during intermission, who eagerly told me about their spring musical (“The Music Man”) and the school’s theater program.

One especially articulate student in particular impressed me with her poise, confidence, professional demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for musical theater.

I invited her to submit a guest blog for possible online publication, so watch for her review during the next day or two. She’s a repeat “Spamalot” offender who really seems to know her stuff — and I’ve no doubt she’ll one day capture her grail.

As I drove home from the show, Lizabeth leaned against the front passenger-side car door and fell asleep while clutching her purple “I’m Not Dead Yet” T-shirt.

When we pulled into our driveway, a single glance in her direction reaffirmed what I’ve long known.

I’ve already found my grail.

— Lynn

Note: Spamalot contains adult language and situations, so this one is not for the kiddies (who might also miss the humor in the show’s “killer rabbit”).

Coming up: Searching for Seussical, Scottsdale Conservatory Theatre, What’s up with one-acts?

Got Spam?

"Spamalot" opens tonight (Feb 15) at the Mesa Arts Center

You can “Spamalot” this week as Theater League brings the 2005 Tony Award winner for best musical to Mesa and Phoenix stages.

“Spamalot” creators say the musical — complete with cows, killer rabbits, show girls and french people — is “lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

It’s a very grown-up take on the legendary tale of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, though the legend may be fading fast in the absence of disco versions of knight battles made for various home and pocket entertainment systems.

Even worse perhaps, is the fact that so few of our children have ever met a can of actual Spam, a product of the Hormel Food Corporation. It faded from popularity as things like sushi and arugula marched in, but I think a Spam-sushi mash up of sorts might be fun.

The fine folks of “Spamalot” will gladly take you through the tale of King Arthur’s quest in a little online ditty titled “What is all this rubbish?” They also make a convincing case for “Spamalot” as the world’s oldest musical.

The “Spamalot” you’ll see on Valley stages this week features book by Eric Idle and score by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. Hence you’ll enjoy both words and music in addition to dancing knights in tights.

But what, you may be wondering, is a Monty Python? And has it anything to do with that “Flying Circus” of yore? It does indeed, as explained ever so eloqently by a BBC piece you can enjoy by clicking here.

Whether you’re a lover of musical theater, of British comedy or of unadulterated genius, check out the touring production of “Spamalot” at the Mesa Center for the Arts and/or the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix.

And always look on the bright side of “Spam.”

— Lynn

Note: Click here for an overview of the legends of King Arthur by Michael Wood for the BBC.

Coming up: Reflections on Rosie’s House, The fine art of stage combat, ASU Gammage readies to unveil its 2011-2012 season, Tales of Tom Chapin