Always Look on the Bright Side of Broadway: SPAMALOT is a Silly, Sparkling Hit

by Debra Ross

Holy Grail Humor Lights Up Rochester

Looking for a weekend outing that’ll have both you and your kids in stitches? The touring production of Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, currently at the RBTL's West Herr Auditorium Theatre through Sunday, January 18, is a surefire hit for families who love a good laugh.

A Parody for the Ages—And All Ages

This SPAMALOT is a delightfully zany romp through King Arthur’s legend, but with a Monty Python twist that parodies just about everything—including Broadway musicals themselves. For adults who grew up chuckling at Monty Python’s irreverent humor, this show is a nostalgic treat. But don’t worry—kids will get a kick out of the slapstick and silliness even if they don’t know their coconut horses from their Camelot lore.

Standout Performances and Local Laughs

The cast is fantastic, with special applause for the actors playing the Lady of the Lake (Amanda Robles), Sir Robin (Sean Bell), and King Arthur (Major Attaway). They nailed every bit of choreography, from the big musical numbers to the wonderfully goofy physical comedy. Robles is a particular standout, clearly reveling in her role and sharing that joy with the audience.

What really makes this SPAMALOT extra special is how it sprinkles in some Rochester-flavored jokes. Look out for nods to local icons like the garbage plate, Susan B. Anthony, and even a wink to Rochester’s Broadway and film star Taye Diggs (who will be inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame’s 2026 class in April). These local touches make the show feel even more like it’s winking right at our community.

Tips for Families: Prepping Kids for Python Humor

Kids ages 8 and up are going to love the silly, over-the-top antics even if they’ve never heard of Monty Python. But if you want them to get even more out of it, a little pre-show chat about the legend of King Arthur, a bit of British comedy, or even just the idea that this is all a big, silly parody can make the experience even more fun.

How to Prepare Kids for SPAMALOT

King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table: This is based (very loosely!) on the legend of King Arthur, a famous story about a king in medieval England who went on quests with his knights to find the Holy Grail—a magical cup from ancient stories.
It’s a parody! SPAMALOT is meant to be super silly and exaggerated. It makes fun of serious stories like King Arthur's legend and other musicals, it makes fun of Broadway musicals, it makes fun of anything it can find. Think of it as a giant joke with costumes, songs, and lots of very random moments.
Who Was Monty Python? Monty Python was a British comedy group from the 1970s known for their very weird and smart humor. Grown-ups who loved them as kids remember their movies like Monty Python and the Holy Grail (which SPAMALOT is based on) and Life of Brian.
Expect Randomness! There's a song about Finland that comes out of nowhere. There's a knight who keeps fighting after losing all his limbs. There’s even a Broadway-style number about how to succeed in a musical. It’s funny because it’s unexpected!
What’s with the coconuts? Instead of riding real horses, the knights pretend to ride them—while someone follows behind banging coconuts together to make “clip-clop” sounds. It’s a classic Monty Python joke.
SPAMALOT is billed as appropriate for Ages 8+… But while there’s no bad language or scary stuff, the humor is sometimes very dry, absurd, and British. A lot will fly right over kids' heads.

Final Thoughts: A Nerdy, Hilarious Night Out

In short, the more you love a good in-joke or a clever cultural reference, the more you’ll find to adore in SPAMALOT. It’s a perfect outing for families with older kids who can appreciate a bit of absurdity, and even the younger ones will be laughing along at the sheer silliness. Don’t miss it before it leaves town!

SPAMALOT runs at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre from January 13-18, 2026, with 7:30pm performances through Saturday, plus matinees on Saturday at 2:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM. Get your tickets here.

Top photo courtesy of RBTL by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Web Service