Saenger Theatre plays host to national tour of ‘Spamalot’
By GINNY GUILLEN DAVIS
Monty Python’s Spamalot galloped onto the Saenger Theater stage this week, the final show of the Broadway across New Orleans 2025-26 season. With lyrics and a book by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez, this national touring show was begun as a short-lived revival on Broadway starring Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur.
Whether you are a diehard Python fan waiting for the iconic “Nih!” from the knights who say “it,” or a newcomer wondering why on earth there are flying cows, the show is delightful and the humor lands incredibly well.
The cast’s chemistry is infectious. The musical numbers are big, brassy and self-aware and the ensemble commits to the madness with flawless comedic timing.
Perhaps the best proof was found in the performance of Major Attaway who superbly executed his role as King Arthur. With his loyal coconut-clunking manservant Patsy (Blake Segal) in tow, Attaway engaged the audience as he sang “King Arthur’s Song,” an introduction to the lonely king’s trek across the medieval countryside in his quest to recruit worthy knights to join his Round Table at Camelot.
Not long after that, the king is encouraged to “Find Your Grail” by The Lady of the Lake (Amanda Robles ). A high energy tongue-in-cheek song, The Lady of the Lake encourages the king to keep his chin up and pursue his destiny. The curious audience enjoyed King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail as he recruited knights for his Round Table, battled saucy Frenchmen and sought to find love.
A stellar moment came when Sir Robin (Sean Bell ) his two minstrels ( L’Ogan J’0nes and Nathaniel Mahone) as well as the full ensemble performed the energetic “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” an admonition that success comes hand in hand with the number of Jews involved in the production. A parody of Fiddler on the Roof’s “Tradition,” the absurd number features a colossal Star of David gracing the stage.
A special shout out to Robles’ Lady of the Lake, who steals the spotlight with her vocal acrobatics and dynamic diva energy in Act II’s “Diva’s Lament.”
Opening night truly embraced the Crescent City. The cast managed to sneak a hilarious nod to the well-known local personal injury attorney Juan Lafonta’s jingle into the show as well as other local references ,which had the audience going absolutely wild.
At the conclusion, confetti cannons provided a crowd-pleasing burst of streamers as the cast and audience sang a reprise of “Always Look on Bright Side of Life,” first heard earlier in Act II. Written by Idle for the Monty Python film “The Life of Brian,” that song that has become a theme for Spamalot, encouraging positivity and silliness during chaotic and dark moments in life.
It was a rollicking, feel good night of theater. The perfect excuse to forget your worries, look on the bright side of life and grab your shrubbery.
The national tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot concludes its Broadway Across New Orleans run today, June 7, 2026.
