High School Musical: The Ice Tours

Last night, we witnessed this musical and visual extravaganza at the TD Banknorth Garden. A spinoff from one of Disney's most successful movies the show lived up to its reputation, featuring magnificent sets, spectacular lighting, a killer soundtrack and dexterous skaters.

For someone like me , who has not seen the movie or its sequel the show was short and sweet. In less than a few hours I was aware of the storyline and the characters of the plot.


Though not of the caliber of Grease either in storyline, soundtrack or in the strength of its personalities, high school musical is a light hearted story of two young people, Troy and Gabriella who stand up to their peers and refuse to adjust to the status quo.

Troy, a basketball star and Gabriella, a math and science geek decide to audition for their high school musical despite the challenges of peer pressure, maintaining their respective schedule and a pair of jealous classmates Sharpay and Ryan. No points for guessing on how this one ends.

The second part of the show featured High School Musical 2. (Great deal, two for the price of one) This sequel has the protagonists working at a spa during the summer break, and trying to audition for a musical at the spa. Once again they must handle the usual flies in the ointment, Sharpay and Ryan.

As mentioned, Troy is no Danny and Gabriella is no Sandy. One noteworthy part of th script is that while Sandy has to become more trendy to win Danny's heart, Troy and Gabriella simply have to be themselves.

As far as performances go, the acting was acceptable but the skating was mesmerizing. All the sequences were excellently choreographed, with the lighting and music perfectly synchronized for each scene. One noteworthy solo performance was from the young man playing Troy, lamenting his misunderstanding with Gabriella. It featured an awesome somersault and a triple toe jump that was close to perfection. Some duets by the lead pair and by Sharpay and Ryan were memorable too.

I was also impressed with how new sets were created and taken down, some in a matter of minutes. This show is recommended for everyone.

The official website:

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The Python Of the Opera

Monty python's Spamalot, now playing at the Boston Opera House is a must-see for the Broadway buffs and fans of the irreverent humor of the legendary Monty Python shows. Be forewarned, the original Python cast, the parrot sketch, the exploding penguin, silly walking or Gumby are NOT included in this script. The show does, however feature the fish slapping dance.

The script for the show, for the most part is based on the screenplay of 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' and is written by Eric Idle. It has some updates too, updates that push the limits of parody and political correctness.

This version of the Artur saga features the lady of the lake, the knight who never gives up, the taunting Frenchmen, the swallow-coconut joke and many of the scenes from the original screenplay, including the one with the vicious killer rabbit. In addition, it also includes a Camelot(Spamelot) the resembles Vegas and some irreverent dialogs that involve one of Arthur's knights coming out of the closet. Arthur and his knights also encounter an 'expensive forest' where trees display shining dollar-signs.

Further, there is also a new tale added to Arthur's legend. In addition to the quest for the Holy Grail, the knights are also on the trail of a Broadway show and must find 'Jews' to help them reach their goal.

The script attempts to make a parody of the original screenplay itself. The cast members of Python were often accused of male chauvinism. True to this sentiment, a diva bursts into song toward the end of the play complaining that she has not had the chance to show off her talents.

The sets for the show that include the expensive forest, tall towers of fortresses, and the Vegas-like Spamelot are magnificent. If you like Monty Python, you'll love Spamelot. The acting is excellent, the singing is good and the dances are very well choreographed. The show also includes a song from Monty Python's 'Life of Brian'. (Guess which one!)

Finally a review of Spamelot would be incomplete without a description of the venue. The Opera House, after its renovation is spectacular and worth atleast half the price of admission. With ceilings decked in gold and chandeliers lighting up its hallways, the Opera house is a magnificent site to behold.

Choosing to go on a weekday was a wise decision we made. In addition to getting good seats at a reasonable price, we also got free parking in South Boston. Don't miss this show if you have a taste for theater and Monty Python's irreverent comedy. If you can, try to squeeze it into one of your workdays.

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