On Theater:

You only have to read the two words preceding the title of the current production at the Orange County Performing Arts Center to know what to expect. The show’s full name is “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”

With the Python troupe, specifically Eric Idle (book, lyrics and a share of the music), involved, audiences should be well aware of the type of certified craziness awaiting them. This is King Arthur and his Round Table guys the way they’ve never really been portrayed, except for the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” from which this stage musical is, as the Pythons put it, “lovingly ripped off” and assembled by esteemed director Mike Nichols.

Don’t try to glean any sense or logic from this wild and crazy show. Just sit back and enjoy it as John O’Hurley steps out of his “Family Feud” setting and into the armor of King Arthur, the ringmaster of this three-ring absurdist circus, in an attempt to be the lone straight man in a covey of punch lines.

True to form, the Pythonesque show culls material from the current headlines — bringing down the house with a gag referencing (though not by name) David Letterman and his current unpleasantness.

The “plot” to this zany adventure is as thin as most supermodels, with about as much meat attached. Arthur and his flaky followers are sent on a quest for the Holy Grail, encountering a series of improbable obstacles en route. It’s the latter elements which make up the showmanship of the piece, and one befuddled audience member will find himself (or herself) joining the cast for a number on stage.

O’Hurley terrifically underplays his royal role, excelling late in the show with his solo “I’m All Alone” as his underappreciated servant (Jeff Dumas) attempts to convince him otherwise. Dumas, as a sort of Sancho Panza (Don Quixote appears in the briefest of cameos) to Arthur’s slightly daft king, provides solid support.

The choice voice belongs to Merle Dandridge as the Lady of the Lake, who sends Arthur on his quest and reconnects with him at its conclusion. In between, she has a devastating solo, titled “The Diva’s Lament,” as she bemoans her lack of stage time.

Another fine performance is turned in by Ben Davis as the surly Sir Galahad, otherwise known as Dennis. Davis doubles and triples in character with booming cameos as the Black Knight and the father of a captive prince (Christopher Sutton) who’s waiting for his own prince to come. Sutton also busies himself as the show’s narrator, along with three other characters.

Matthew Greer is a striking (and surprising) Sir Lancelot, as well as three formidable roadblocks on Arthur’s journey. Most memorable of these is the French Taunter, whose bawdy routine is based on France’s indelible reputation for rudeness.

Original Python member John Cleese even makes an appearance, if only vocally and presumably recorded, as a big-footed God. James Beaman draws a few chuckles as a gastrically inefficient guard.

It’s taken “Spamalot” a long time to reach Costa Mesa — in fact, this is the last stop on the show’s national tour — so local lovers of wild and crazy comedy should get their reservations in before the final Holy Grail is reached Oct. 18.

If You Go

What: “Monty Python’s Spamalot”

Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays until Oct. 18

Cost: $28.75 to $75

Call: (714) 556-2787

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot.