Spamalot is the musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which was released in 1975. The original screenplay was written by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. It was adapted into a musical by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. Spamalot’s world premiere took place as a preview at Chicago’s Schubert Theatre starting on December 21, 2004 and then moved to Broadway beginning on February 14, 2005. It was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and it won three including Best Musical. In September 2019, it opened at the Mercury Theatre Chicago. Now, in May 2026, it opens at the CIBC Theatre.

In the story, King Arthur gathers a group of men to find the holy grail. On their quest they come across a wide variety of characters including the Lady of the Lake, the French Taunter, the Knights of Ni, Tim the Enchanter, the Black Night, and many more. One of the best scenes starts with a man ringing a triangle asking everyone to bring out their dead. Bodies are dragged out into the street to be removed. Then, one of the bodies simply says “I’m not dead yet.” “Yes, he is” says the man who dragged him out. “I feel happy”, says Not Dead Fred who then launches into a full song and dance number!

They have thrown in very recent references to keep this musical fresh. The most surprising one was “Hawk tuah and spit on that thing!” 

The songs in the show are very funny and one that tops the list is “You Won’t Succeed On Broadway”. “In any great adventure if you don’t want to lose / Victory depends upon the people that you choose / So listen Arthur darling closely to this news / We won’t succeed on Broadway if we don’t have any Jews”. It also features the famous dance from Fiddler on the Roof with cups on their heads. 

Major Attaway is hilarious as King Arthur. Matching his charisma and humor is Amanda Robles as the Lady of the Lake. Many of the actors portray multiple roles with great style and oh so many costumes. Steven Telsey is so funny as Not Dead Fred, Minstrel, and more. Chris Collins-Pisano is exceptionally cast as Sir Lancelot, the Knight of Ni, and more. Leo Roberts is solid as Sir Dennis Galahad, the Black Night, and Herbert’s Father.  The rest of the cast is absolutely fantastic also.

Get tickets now for Spamalot through May 31st!

Cost of a ticket: $96

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Good Value –

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Good Value > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney