Spamalot (Broadway touring musical) at Starlight Theatre, Kansas City MO (2026-08-04 to 08-09)

The jokes still ‘land’ (and the cows too)!

Just over two decades since its 2005 Broadway debut (which resulted in fourteen Tony Award nominations, including winning Best Musical) Monty Python’s Spamalot remains dumb but clever, ridiculous but inspiring, and chaotic but polished- in other words, still the same hilariously entertaining treasure it’s always been. The production has come to Kansas City, outdoors at Starlight Theatre where it runs through Sunday.

Spamalot features a book and lyrics by Monty Python co-founder Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Idle. There was a 2023 Broadway revival and now, that refreshed production is on the road under the direction and choreography of Josh Rhodes and should both satisfy both longtime Python devotees and any newer audiences discovering the silliest version of the fabled quest to find Camelot and the Holy Grail.

“Lovingly ripped” from the 1975 cult classic film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical brings all the best part of medieval times- knights, swordplay, a magical quest, killer rabbits, flying cows, and the Lady of the Lake. Along with the setting and story, modern classic songs like “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” and “Find Your Grail,” remain tongue-in-cheek, hummable (or whistle-able) and a reflection of the Python style of humor.

In addition to some fourth wall breaks, self-deprecating Broadway jokes, and intentionally absurdist humor, the production added in some more modern pop culture references and a few KC-specific shout-outs, which were appreciated and helped to keep the crowd laughing and further engaged.

The current tour stars Major Attaway as King Arthur, Sean Bell as Sir Robin, Chris Collins-Pisano as Sir Lancelot, Ellis C. Dawson III as Sir Bedevere, Leo Roberts as Sir Galahad, Amanda Robles as The Lady of the Lake, Blake Segal as Patsy, and Steven Telsey as both The Historian and Prince Herbert.

Attaway had previous success starring as the Genie in Aladdin who retains his deep singing voice and has the likable balance of a slightly bewildered leader that still demands reverence as a proper monarch.

Robles is outstanding as the Lady of the Lake, displaying her soaring and powerful vocals particularly on numbers like “The Song That Goes Like This” and “Diva’s Lament.” She can display a camp silliness and appropriate comic timing as needed, all the while without compromising any vocal control or range.

Each of the supporting cast adds to the whole as well, with their distinct characters and personalities, physical comedy and comedic timing, and a collective charismatic versatility. Segal as the well-named Patsy, Arthur’s loyal servant, is especially funny as the straight man to Arthur’s jokes, completely forgotten as Arthur sings how ‘alone’ he is, and is relatable in his foibles of servitude that are only meant to support his king.

The tour orchestra expertly helps bring the lush score to life, with music supervision by John Bell and Jonathan Gorst serving as Musical Director and Conductor. Behind the scenes, the costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Cory Pattak, sound design by Kai Harada and Haley Parcher and wig design by Tom Watson (no, not the KC senior golfer), all combine to make the collective whole, work seamlessly.

Paul Tate DePoo III‘s production design uses a combination of somewhat basic sets mixed with projected enhancements and animated backgrounds to, when mixed with the colorful costumes, make for an intentional and somewhat cartoonish end appearance.

Some of the over-emphasized British accents occasionally make things a bit harder to understand (in addition to the locust chirps during the first act) and anyone unfamiliar with the classic brand of Python UK humor might have a head scratch or two, but the jokes mostly remain pleasingly dumb and universally funny.

We won’t ruin any of the scenes for you, but rest assured, the best parts from the film and the productions past, remain as funny as ever and make sure to stay past the cast bows for a joyous reprise of one of the show’s best-known numbers.

In an increasingly dour and disturbing real world of wars, divisive politics, and economic and social issues; two and a half hours away from that, for some unabashed nonsense and unfiltered fun, is just the ticket for an evening out and this show remains a comedy grail and an ideal antidote.

SPAMALOT SHOW TIMES

August 4-9 KANSAS CITY, MO- STARLIGHT THEATRE (with ticket links)

Tue 08/04/2026 8:00PM Wed 08/05/2026 8:00PM Thu 08/06/2026 8:00PM Fri 08/07/2026 8:00PM Sat 08/08/2026 8:00PM Sun 08/09/2026 8:00PM

TOUR DATES 08/11- 08/23 Buell Theatre Denver, CO 08/25-08/26 First Interstate Center Spokane, WA 08/28- 08/30 Royal Theatre Victoria, BC 09/15- 09/20 Performing Arts Center Tulsa, OK 10/02- 10/04 Hanover Theatre Worcester, MA 10/06- 10/11 Wang Theatre Boston, MA 10/13- 10/18 Harrison Opera House Norfolk, VA 10/20- 10/25 Civic Center Des Moines, IA 10/27- 11/01 Orpheum Theatre Memphis, TN 11/10- 11/15 Kravis Center for the Performing Arts West Palm Beach, FL

National Tour Photo Credit: Michael Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

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