Monty Python Invades Wolf Trap!

For music lovers who represent a younger age demographic, I'm sure many would concede that it is more common than not to gloss over symphony performances in favor of the energy and excitement inherent in raucous pop/rock shows. Well hold on to your cellos, because Wolf Trap has the perfect bridge for this generational chasm. When perusing our 2008 summer schedule in anticipation of tomorrow's box office opening day, I encourage you to give special consideration to NSO @ Wolf Trap's presentation of Not the Messiah! (He's a Very Naughty Boy) starring none other than Monty Python's Eric Idle.

Folks from 20-70 will recognize Idle from his critically lauded work as a member of the internationally renowned British comedy group Monty Python. The majority of his fame is derived from his portrayal as Sir Robin in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Mr. Cheeky and Harry the Haggler from Monty Python's Life of Brian. A respected guitarist and musician, Idle is responsible for the composition of the group's most famous musical numbers, most notably "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," the closing number from Life of Brian which has grown to become a Python signature tune.

Not the Messiah! is the brainchild of Idle and his Spamalot co-composer John Du Prez, and features a comic oratorio inspired by Monty Python's Life of Brian and Handel's Messiah. Similar to the concept behind the wildly successful Spamalot featuring a musical retelling of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, patrons will witness Idle perform as a soloist and narrator alongside the NSO, a full chorus, bagpipers in British 19th-century army regalia, and a sheep! It's completely loaded with Python-esque craziness. I've heard the show concludes with a full sing along of "Look on the Bright Side of Life," giving audience members the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Monty Python phenomenon. Could it be better than Spamalot?? I can't wait to find out.

For what to expect from the NSO and Idle's performance on July 24, check out this week's video below.

Have a great weekend,

Graham