It was Sunday, July 20th, in the year of 2014. The intense heat could be felt from the pavement of the parking lot at the UA Galaxy in Dallas. The scene was set, along with fellow Nerd, Marcus Blake, for an entire afternoon of “Python” fun with fellow fans of varying degrees. Presumably, the majority of the audience would be of moderate to heavy fandom. No doubt, you would almost have to be, in order to take part in such an event. I could sense that Marcus was in good spirits, playing as host and engaging others with “Python” trivia to be swapped for sweets and a hilarious gimmick, calling some to the front of the theater to give an impersonation of the Python’s Silly Walk. In return, the winners would receive “Monty Python” DVDs.
While I only consider myself to be a casual fan of the series, I have dabbled in the “Python” pool and developed an adequate admiration for British comedy in the process. It was the timeless classic of “The Holy Grail” that, like so many others before, got my attention and tickled my fancy. I was more than happy to be a part of what was estimated to be a worldwide audience of over 30 million people, via satellite from the big screen. In this regard, modern technology is extremely suitable for a positive experience.
As I sat through and soaked up the laughter around me, I recounted what I most enjoyed about this band of mind-bending, comedic talent. Rarely has a set of people managed to establish and build on a following for so many years (45 to be more exact) and keep their fans coming back for more with such an array of style and creativity.
There are certain themes that can never be played out: religion, sex and sports, among others. Throw in some music, complete with humorous and poignant (and sometimes controversial) lyrics and everything else can fall into place quite naturally. The lengthy stage performances of: John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin would seemingly grow tiresome for those with no patience or appreciation for this kind of humor, but in the midst of so many who are sharing in the delight of such entertainment, I predict that it would be hard to go sour. Well, I happened to be scarfing down a large dill pickle, so my mouth was bitterly twisted, but for an entirely different reason. Speaking of pickles, “Isn’t it nice to have a penis?” Sorry, ladies, it is nice to have a vagina, as well
In the meantime, just think of all the great moments you enjoyed from the series and imagine having at least 75% of them displayed on a large screen(from the live theater) and manifested onto a grand stage, including a very talented core of dancers(men and women alike). No one was upstaging anyone, even though there was an enormous amount of talent to go around (young and old). I do not know what the mentality was for those who had the rare pleasure of actually being present for the live performance, but from my vantage point, I DID feel a connection, even via satellite. Who knew? Is this why so many are addicted to online play in the world of video games? Or is this just another symptom (a blessing AND a curse) of the tech-laden world we all have the privilege AND misfortune of inhabiting?
As the men on stage sang and would obviously say, if they were present in this room with me, “Always look on the brighter side of life.” These men all have a different story to tell about themselves, on the stage and OFF the stage, alike. Yet, they share a unique and special bond with each other that goes well beyond their apparent and not-so-apparent differences. Whenever a rare flub would occur on stage, a ripple of laughter could be heard from the theater, all the way to where we sat, thousands of miles away. It is what makes us human that brings us to together AND pulls us apart. Why not revel in the moments where it is the former of the two?
My road from the positive reaction I once had to the works of Dudley Moore and Peter Cook, to the exposure of “The Holy Grail” and Terry Gilliam’s “Brazil” led me to this tiny seat at the UA Galaxy in Dallas and connected me to a small stage all the way over in Great Britain. I will relish that experience and look forward to many more just like it. My thanks to you, “Monty Python,” minus the deceased (Graham Chapman). May you all walk on the path of peace and light…all forms of silly walks allowed.
