"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" Becomes Broadway Musical SPAMELOT in 2005
By Ernio Hernandez
12 Sep 2003
The British sketch comedy team behind "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is adapting the work into a musical with a developmental title SPAMELOT.
The stage show is scheduled to reign on Broadway in spring of 2005 after out-of-town engagements. Casting will begin shortly.
Mike Nichols — who brought the British comedy sketch show The Play What I Wrote to Broadway last season — will direct the work and produce with Ostar Productions. Jerry Mitchell will choreograph. Scenic and costume designer Tim Hatley is also onboard the project.
"I like the title SPAMELOT a lot," the promoting Idle stated in a release, "but I was thinking it might be smart to ask audiences on my upcoming U.S. tour if they liked it as much as I do. After all, they are the ones who will be paying Broadway prices to see the show. So there's a good chance the title may change."
The new work will feature a book by Eric Idle based on the screenplay he co-wrote with Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The show will include two songs from the original film and a completely new score with music and lyrics by Idle and John Du Prez.
The comedy troupe rose to fame with their BBC television show "Monty Python's Flying Circus," then gained international acclaim by turning their sketches and songs into films including "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "Monty Python's Life of Brian" and "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life."
The only authorized stage version, thus far, of the original "Monty Python" sketches was seen at this year's Edinburgh Festival — albeit performed in French. The five authors of the comedy series granted permission to French producer Rémy Renoux. The estate of the late Chapman also gave its blessing for the impresario's unique adaptation, reports The Observer/Guardian.
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