"Monty Python" Musical Spamalot Urged to Change Title by Broadway-Bound Camelot
By Ernio Hernandez
14 Nov 2003
The proposed Broadway musical reworking of film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," titled Spamalot, has been contacted by lawyers of a Broadway-bound production of Camelot in an attempt to change its title.
The new stage show is scheduled to reign on Broadway in spring of 2005 after out-of town engagements. Mike Nichols will direct the work and produce with Ostar Productions. Jerry Mitchell choreographs.
According to a local news report, the Camelot attorney's fax stated "I was disappointed to learn of the possibility that it might be called Spamalot. It is anticipated that there will be a Broadway production of [Alan Jay] Lerner and [Frederick] Loewe's Camelot opening in the same season as the anticipated Spamalot, and the presence of these two shows together, we believe, can lead only to confusion in the minds of the public."
"Since Lerner and Loewe's Camelot has been in existence since 1961, we suggest that you consider changing the title of your musical," read the request, according to the CBS affiliate.
The show's bookwriter Eric Idle has pointed out that the title is derived from the movie in which one of the characters has the quotes "I eat ham and jam and Spam a lot." As such, production spokespersons confirmed that the producers are planning to keep the title for the show.
Spamalot will feature a book by 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 British 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's Life of Brian" and "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life."
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