Epcot lumberjacks get chopping, eh?

On Wednesdays, he goes shopping.

Sorry, but my mind went there — to a Monty Python sketch featuring “The Lumberjack Song” — during a recent trip to Epcot, where a new stage show called Canadian Lumberjacks has been introduced.

The 15-minute production, which can be seen multiple times daily, pits bearded, flannel-flaunting teams of two in forestry games of skill.

It’s the red-plaid guys versus the men of blue plaid. A host in neutral black-and-white guides the action, starting with ax throwing. The trained participants — not themepark visitors, naturally — whirl at a target several feet away, a sort of giant game of darts, but sharper.

The teams then use manual double-sided saws to cut up and down through a long log, fire up loud power saws, then return to axes for a chopping contest that had me worried about their toes. At no time did I feel like stray splinters were going to put out my eyes.

Epcot’s lumberjacks have the unenviable task of being the act to follow dismissed musical group Off Kilter, which had a loyal and vocal fan base. The viewing area was reasonably full when I watched the new show. Some folks drifted off, but that was true for Off Kilter shows too.

The new performers appear personable but uncomfortable in the tight quarters of the Mill Stage. The show has a Canadian feel and comedic bits, but those are presented in low-key fashion. I’d like to see that played more broadly. But maybe is wise not to have a goofy-acting lumberjack hurling sharp objects.