Spamalot – Musical – Review – The 5th Ave Theatre – Shows I've Seen

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Monty Python’s Spamalot musical national tour at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Silly, corny, and fully self-aware, with lyrics and jokes updated for the modern age. The tap numbers absolutely deliver. Starring Major Attaway as King Arthur. See it before it closes 2/15/26.

Recommendation:
See it if you enjoy silly British comedy.

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I’ve seen the national tour twice before this.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Eh, I think 3 times is enough for me.

Mainstream Appeal: Medium

If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Parodies of King Arthur legends

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: SPAMALOT, which first galloped onto Broadway in 2005, features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three, including Best Musical. The musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, has everything that makes a great knight at the theatre, from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake. SPAMALOT features well-known song titles such as “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theatre canon.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Dynamic

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You need to be remotely familiar with King Arthur legends. It might help if you also saw the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actor(s): All

Total Actor(s): Too many to count

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Other Rave(s)

Tap Dance: The tap numbers (choreographed by director Josh Rhodes) were a highlight, especially in the Vegas-style “Camelot” and the encouraging “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Several performers even took to tap-dancing on tables, which was a nice touch that ensured the audience appreciated the intricate footwork. We in the orchestra level often miss this. First world problems, I know.
Modern References: The production loaded the script and lyrics with contemporary references. At its best, this was genuinely funny. I loved the parody of the recent viral Miss Universe France meme. At times, though, the show relied too heavily on this device, to the point where the references felt forced rather than clever. Moments like dropping modern songs (Demon Pop Hunters) mid-scene or inserting in references like “67″ (is that even in anymore?) felt like they were trying too hard. What began as quick satire occasionally tipped into gratuitous excess.

Rant(s)

Sound: Compared to the last two national tours I’ve seen of this show, the sound felt noticeably less expansive. It was quieter and less fluid. The production didn’t seem to fully fill the space. In earlier tours, both the band and vocals carried a richer, more enveloping presence. I don’t know if increasing the volume could even help. By contrast, most local 5th Avenue Theatre production tend to sound more robust and complete. Even The Wild Party recently by Sound Theatre Company (a semi-equity production in a much smaller venue) felt fuller and more immersive sonically.
Animated Projections: The use of animation often feels like a cost-saving substitute for traditional scenic design. And when the visuals lean heavily into obvious CGI, it ultimately cheapens the production’s overall quality.

Theatre Company: National tour brought by The 5th Avenue Theatre

Venue: The 5th Avenue Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Price Range: $50-180

Ticket Affordability Options: The 5th Avenue Theatre often partners with organizations you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, they sometimes offer a discount for my employer affiliation and my apartment complex. Rush tickets are typically also available the day of the performance at the box office.

Dates: February 4 – 15, 2026

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: When I don’t walk to the theatre or park on the street, I park in the paid garage at the Motif Hotel northwest of the theatre. The entrance is on 5th Ave. DO NOT park in the APA Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel garage (entrance on 6th Ave). That’s where most of the audience (and I think the subscribers) parks, so it’s a nightmare to leave. However, the APA Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel garage is the closest garage to the theatre and you can access the theatre through a tunnel if you want to avoid the elements. But, in my opinion, this benefit is not worth the time wasted leaving the garage.

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Photos: See production photos below by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.

Cast and Production Team: See after photos below.