Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy)

For Monty Python fans, there are few greater joys than hearing—even for the umpteenth time—a rousing rendition of “The Liberty Bell” march (the troupe's adopted theme), or singing along to a bagpipes-enhanced “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” or “The Lumberjack Song.” These pleasures frame this lavish 2009 performance of Eric Idle and John Du Prez's comic “baroque and roll” oratorio at London's venerable Royal Albert Hall (complete with the BBC Symphony and Chorus). Inspired by the movie Monty Python's Life of Brian and staged to commemorate the ensemble's 40th anniversary, Not the Messiah, directed by Aubrey Powell, may not have the star power of Spamalot, but it's silly enough to take its rightful place at the Python Round Table. “Chaos and Confusion” (the title of the opening movement) reign in the first quarter hour, but things fall into place once the hapless Brian Cohen (William Ferguson) enters the picture: for the uninitiated, “He's not the chosen one/Not the hero of his race/He's just a wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.” The best bits are lifted from the film, particularly “What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us” and “Individuals,” in which Brian tries to dissuade his would-be followers from believing that he's the Messiah. In their fleeting bits, Pythoners Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Terry Gilliam are given rock star welcomes. DVD extras include sing-along tracks and three background featurettes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (D. Liebenson)