학술논문

Notions of Place, Legend, and Broadway in Monty Python’s Spamalot
Document Type
Chapter
Author
Source
From Camelot to Spamalot : Musical Retellings of Arthurian Legend on Stage and Screen, 2021, ill.
Subject
Arthurian legend
Monty Python
Holy Grail
Eric Idle
John Du Prez
Broadway
meta-musical
Musicology and Music History
Language
English
Abstract
This chapter shifts to the Broadway musical Monty Python’s Spamalot (2005). As an adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot adds numerous songs written by Eric Idle and John du Prez. These songs not only send up Arthurian legend but common musical theater tropes, augmenting the “meta” tone of the show for fans of musical theater history as well as Monty Python. Furthermore, the musical incarnation increases many of the roles from the original film and includes new characters, extending the connections to the world of Arthurian legend. The musical’s expanded pantheon of references and musical theater send-ups highlight the interpretive layering in a meaningful way. The author’s analysis triangulates the legend with Holy Grail and Spamalot, arguing that while Monty Python may play fast and loose with ideas of fidelity, their versions of Arthurian legend remain true to the malleable spirit of the tale.

Online Access