Douglas McEwan writes…
You might want to add an addendum to your post today on Monty Python's last show to the effect that their final performance is being broadcast live to theaters all over the world. (Which, basically, is their international tour). Tickets are available from Fathom Events. Because it is live, that means that here in California, it will be seen at 10:15 AM on July 20. I already have my ticket.
It's certainly not the same as seeing them in person, as I did when I was in the live audience at Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl back in 1979. One can't go backstage afterwards and meet them, as I did back then, but it's better than not seeing at all what may well be (or may not be) their final performance together ever.
Speaking of which, Barry Humphries will be bringing his final tour [as Dame Edna] to the Ahmanson for six weeks beginning the last week of January, 2015. I'm very, very sure that will be our last opportunity to see Barry perform live onstage in Los Angeles ever. He'll be onstage at the Ahmanson on his 81st birthday.
As big a fan as I am of Python, I really have no desire to go to a theater — especially on a Sunday morning — and see a live feed of their show. If anyone reading this does, here's a link to find out where it'll be and to purchase tix.
Like you, I was at the Hollywood Bowl and it was exciting to see them in person…but really, that's the whole point of this kind of performance. It's so you can say, "I saw John Cleese and Michael Palin do the parrot sketch in person." The excitement is not about seeing the material since we know it all and have seen them do it many times, usually much better and without audience participation. It's about Being There.
I assume whatever is broadcast in the theater that morn will be available soon for purchase on a disc. No disrespect to the Python guys but it doesn't look like they ever turn down anything that would wring another dollar out of the same material. A friend of mine who has purchased all the home video releases, starting on Beta and progressing through VHS, Laserdisc, DVD and Blu-ray, claims he has now paid for "Nudge, Nudge" more than one hundred times. "Are you selling something?"
I am, however, all for seeing Mr. Humphries in his final go-round as Dame Edna Everage. Here's the schedule so far which only includes Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Desert, Toronto and Washington, D.C. If you've never seen him/her, it's a great evening and unlike Python, it's not just about seeing it live…though there is that.
One last thought about the Python show. In the interviews I linked to, several of the fellows said that they'd be doing the Spanish Inquisition sketch on stage for the first time. I wish they hadn't revealed that. Now, everyone expects the Spanish Inquisition.