Spamalot Will Make Los Angeles Debut with O'Hurley as King Arthur

By Andrew Gans
16 Jan 2009

John O'Hurley in Spamalot.
John O'Hurley in Spamalot.
Photo by Studio J Inc. Eric Jamison

The Tony-winning musical Monty Python's Spamalot, which recently ended its lengthy run at Broadway's Shubert Theatre, will make its Los Angeles debut this summer.

The musical "lovingly ripped-off" from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," will open Center Theatre Group's 2009-2010 at the Ahmanson Theatre of the Los Angeles Music Center. Performance dates are July 7-Sept. 6.

The cast will be headed by John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld," "Dancing with the Stars," Chicago) as King Arthur.

In a statement CTG artistic director Michael Ritchie said, "A little summer madness is a great way to open the Ahmanson's new season. I mean, how can you resist a musical comedy that has catapulting cows, the voice of God and a weaponized herring? I'm glad Los Angeles audiences will finally get to partake in all the fun."

Spamalot joins the previously announced Mary Poppins in the Ahmanson's 2009-2010 season (CTG's 43rd season). The Ahmanson's entire season will be announced in mid-February.

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).

Group tickets can be purchased now by calling (213) 972-7231. The 2009-2010 Ahmanson Theatre season tickets will be available by mid-February. Single tickets will be available in early April. For more information visit CTG's Web site at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or call (213) 628-2772.