And now for something completely different…

…an afternoon at a local theater watching a live simulcast of the final performance of “Monty Python Live (Mostly).” There were no men with stoats through their heads. No men with three buttocks. But I haven’t laughed so hard in ages.

So what was there to laugh at? Many favorite sketches. Singing along with “The Philosopher Song.” The gents going out of their way to make each other laugh in the middle of a line. New twists on old material. And a few brilliant cameos.

We could, of course, have said just about every line right along with them. We probably introduced our kids to Python humor before it was really age-appropriate (if there is an age for which it’s appropriate), so they’re right in there with us on the quoting. For the most part we restrained ourselves. But it didn’t really matter, because we were among our own kind…when one of the pre-show trivia questions was about which protest organization the title character joined in “Life of Brian,” one of our fellow Python-ites in the crowd shouted out, “Splitters!”

One interesting thing that hit me as we were wiping away tears following the Michaelangelo sketch followed by “Every Sperm is Sacred:” I’m guessing a lot of this stuff plays a whole lot better in London than in the Midwest of the U.S. People around here think Ferris Bueller is funny. Bad words, blue humor, full frontal nudity, and irreverence? Not so much. Trouble is, sheep are very dim.

And as the five guys left who are not “ex-people” took their final bow, it occurred to me just how much joy they’ve brought me and everyone else who loves them. Of course, they’ve offended a lot of people too…which just makes them all the funnier. But think of all the laughter they’ve contributed to the balance of happiness here on this earth (which is, of course, revolving at 900 miles an hour… ). If I’m really down, a few Python sketches on YouTube have me laughing before the funny stuff even starts. That, and always looking on the bright side of life. What an amazing legacy.

They mean to take Wimbledon…

Advertisement