Ah spring- the winter is now safely behind us, and after the long, dark, dreary days of this season past, what better mood elevator than an evening full of fun and laughter.

And that's just what's in store right now in downtown Boston, as the Colonial Theatre on Boylston Street it the current home of a Broadway musical, that simply, you must not miss.

It's Monty Python's "Spamalot," the 2005 Tony Award winning Best Musical, and a national tour company launched its production here through April 15. The show is simply a hoot.

We saw it last Thursday, on St. Patrick's eve, and it was easily the most fun we've had in months. (This cautionary note: this space is not often given over to theatre reviews, and we're no theatrical experts. But we do enjoy a good laugh, and that's what's in store at the Colonial.)

The show is written by Pythoner Eric Idle, and directed by Mike Nichols, with music by Idle and John Du Prez. The notes claim it's "a new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.'"

But you do not have to be a Python fan to enjoy yourself here: The laughs begin at the opening curtain, and continue for two hours, from beginning to end. It's an evening of pure, unadulterated silliness, hanging on the oft-told tale of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. There are sight gags, prop gags, and even audience participation, together with send-ups of traditional Broadway musicals like West Side Story, and the appearance of a killer rabbit.

Among Idle's music is the delightful "Always look at the bright side of life," a number sure to engage the sing-along impulse in all of us.

All in all, it's a joyous event, two hours of silliness and fun. As Basil Fawlty would say, we all need a good laugh. If you agree, plan not to miss this one, it's here through Easter weekend.

- Ed Forry

Business community can help with summer jobs

Mayor Tom Menino paid his traditional spring visit to the Dorchester Board of Trade this week, and made a special point of pushing for support for summer jobs for kids this year. The city sponsors a summer work program during school vacation and Menino believes it's a vitally important function to help local teenagers stay useful during those hot weather days between school semesters.

This year, he says the City has committed $3 million to summer jobs, and he told the business group the program is in urgent need of support from local small businesses to insure that the need is met. Currently, he says more than 6000 students have indicated a desire to find summer employment, and without the support of local merchants here and in other neighborhoods, the need cannot be met.

He asked local businesses to look now to assess what opportunities may be available for July and August, and asked that merchants contact his office to pledge their support.

Summer jobs for local kids are badly needed, and they can be a great for local businesses to find needed workers for the summer and beyond. We support the Mayor in his efforts, and encourage our Dorchester business community to pitch in to assist this worthy cause.

- E.F.