Spamalot

(Left to right) Jeff Dumas as Patsy and Michael Siberry as King Arthur Photo: Joan Marcus

Died-in-wool fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail may not like how long-time troupe member Eric Idle has adapted the 32-year old film for the stage, but for those who are unfamiliar with or cool toward Python's sometimes sophomoric humor, Spamalot is a pleasant surprise. As Idle says, "It's very Python to recognize the form you're in," and this irreverent take on the Arthurian legend is rife with over-the-top production numbers and inside theatre jokes that were added to excellent effect.

Esther Stilwell as The Lady of the Lake Photo: Joan Marcus

Using a broad mix of traditional shtick, clever jibes, inspired invention, and throwback animation from their popular public broadcasting series, Monty Python's Flying Circus, Idle and long-time musical collaborator John Du Prez have significantly expanded the entertainment value from the original film, landing the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical in the process.

Playing it straight as Arthur, Michael Siberry provides the ballast for the incredulously meandering and unpredictable storyline, leaving us to marvel at the surfeit of ingenuity pouring forth scene after scene. Esther Stillwell is a wry and captivating Lady of the Lake.

Robert Petkoff as Sir Robin with his Minstrels Photo: Joan Marcus

The Knights of the Round Table—Lancelot, Galahad, Robin, and Bedevere—are a source of constant digression, while their counterparts, "the Laker Girls," call forth comparisons to Las Vegas floor shows.

This is as funny a show as you'll ever see. Denver Center Attractions presentation of Spamalot runs through October 7th. 303-893-4100.

Bob Bows