Applause News Blog

Applause Theatre Service has learned that one of my favorite current Broadway shows Monty Python's Spamalot, the 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, will end its reign at Broadway's Shubert Theatre Jan. 18, 2009.
When it closes, the musical will have played a total of 35 previews and 1,582 regular performances.
The New York company currently features Michael Siberry and Merle Dandridge, who play, respectively, King Arthur and Lady of the Lake, with Tom Deckman, Rick Holmes, Bradley Dean, Wally Dunn and David Hibbard. "American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken, who finishes his return engagement Jan. 4, 2009, also stars as Sir Robin.
When Spamalot closes on Broadway, it will have grossed over $175,000,000 and will have been seen by more than two million people. The musical recouped its entire investment in under six months.
Spamalot features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, direction by Mike Nichols, choreography by Casey Nicholaw and is based on the screenplay of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
The musical tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table on their quest from God for the Holy Grail — with a short stop in the dazzling Spam-filled land of Camelot.
Spamalot earned the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical and took home honors for direction (Mike Nichols) and one of its stars (Sara Ramirez).
Spamalot celebrated its third anniversary on Broadway March 18.
On Broadway Spamalot plays Tuesday-Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 2 and 7 PM.