I took in the touring musical show "Spamalot"; last night at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.  It razzled, it dazzled, it sparkled and popped. It also tooted (in my general direction), and definitely entertained.

It has been many years since I last watched "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"; but it all came back to me as I watched the show. How could I forget the charge to "cut down the largest tree in the forest with a herring?";

The castle of Camelot twinkled, the voice of God boomed, a sorcerer named "Tim"; hung mysteriously in midair. No cost was spared on the set, dry ice, fireworks or costuming -- indeed, lots of eye candy. Plus, there were scads of fabulous dancing, hearty singing and sword fighting. Once the tweaks got worked out with the sound in the space, the true quality of the performer's voices was able to shine through.

For a moment there, I let my feminist undies get in a bundle about women being merely cast as extraneous playthings -- but then I reminded myself that the men in the show were not really the sharpest tacks in the box either. It is just not that kind of show. So relax. It's a silly bunch of fools showing us how to have a good time -- and ultimately, it really is the lady of the lake that has all the power.

"Spamalot"; is part of the Broadway Series at the Marcus Center and runs through Sunday, May 4.