Thursday, October 18, 2007

Clay Aiken Lands Broadway Role


HERE HE COMES AGAIN -- Amazing_CA's graphic, photo by Snix, captures the 'Spamalot' excitement of Clay Aiken message boards.

A Knight To Remember

Aiken To Join 'Spamalot' Cast

Be prepared to travel far in search of your particular Holy Grail. To make the most progress, you must follow through on whatever tweaks your passion. Chivalry will arouse tender feelings.

Clay Aiken's prophetic horoscope in his hometown newspaper, the News&Observer, Monday should have tipped his fandom that the search for the Holy Grail would soon lead to Broadway.

In a journal entry entitled "Blogalot," the singer Tuesday announced to his fan club that he has signed on to play Sir Robin in the Broadway hit "Spamalot" from Jan. 18 - May 4, 2008.

In the blog's P.S., Clay suggested that "Spamalot" tickets would make excellent Christmas presents:

Ladies, you can give them to your husband, and he’ll think they are a GREAT gift! He doesn’t have to know they are really for you!!!

'Spamalot' News Circles Globe

Thirty minutes after the news was released at the Official Fan Club, word was off and running throughout the media. The article is currently featured at 178 sites worldwide. Below is a sampling of Google searches.

Broadway.com: Clay Aiken Headed for Broadway

Clay Aiken, who became a top-selling recording artist after being voted first runner-up in the second season of American Idol, will make his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot beginning January 18, 2008.

"Let's not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity," Aiken said in a statement.

"But, that's not all. The producers and creative folks I have had the chance to meet and work with so far have been unbelievably welcoming and wonderful. They've really made me feel at home already, and I haven't even started yet!"

Director Mike Nichols expressed enthusiasm for his latest bit of star casting: "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice," Nichols said in a statement.

"Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for Spamalot."


Broadway's Shubert Theatre
Clickable by Mr. Dancermom2

USA Today Idol Chatter: Nothing But 'Spam' for Clay

This blog has seen spam a lot from some of Clay's more dedicated fans, but soon they and others will be seeing Spamalot a lot themselves.

That's because, as I'm sure most Clay fans know by now but a few other Idol followers may not, Clay's stepping into the role of Sir Robin, one of the leads, in the Broadway production of the Monty Python musical Jan. 18, for a run that will last till May 4.

Director Mike Nichols had some lavish compliments for his new actor: "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice," Nichols said. "Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character."

The London Free Press: Aiken Joins Broadway's Spamalot

Clay Aiken will join the Broadway cast of Monty Python's Spamalot on Jan. 18, playing one of the leads, Sir Robin, in the Tony Award-winning musical.

"The chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity."


Screen cap links to 'The Insider' story

Newsday: Clay Aiken Joins Cast of 'Spamalot'

Clay Aiken has found his Holy Grail: musical theater.

The one-time "American Idol" contestant will join the cast of "Monty Python's Spamalot" on Jan. 18, making his Broadway debut in the role of Sir Robin at the Shubert Theatre.

New York Daily News: From Tour-a-lot to 'Spamalot'

After criss-crossing the country over the next two months for a holiday concert circuit, Clay Aiken will be settling down in New York City.

The "American Idol" runnerup will make his Broadway debut in "Spamalot" as Sir Robin, the lead part originated by David Hyde Pierce. He is set to play the role Jan. 18- May 4 in the Tony-winning musical, directed by Mike Nichols and co-created by Eric Idle.

Aiken, 28, said the chance to work with both of those men was "a reason to jump at this opportunity."

"Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice," said Nichols. "Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide-ranging talent."


Screen cap links to 'Spamalot' Home Page

Spamalot's Home Page is filled with links both interesting and useful, including information about the show's creators, cast members, tickets, as well as videos under the "Blessed Media" heading. An article about the newest cast member headlines the news link.

News Electrifies Message Boards

Clay's initial blog announcement ignited a surge of energy and excitement unlike any the boards have seen lately. At one point Tuesday, a record 1,073 members were signed onto the OFC posting and discussing the day's news, not just among themselves but also with the singer.

Clay posted in the "Spamalot" thread at the OFC message board and answered questions in a crowded Chat Room overflowing with more than 500 fans.

Wednesday morning the excitement continued as show tickets were purchased, travel and lodging accommodations finalized and celebrated ...

Which NYC area airport is the best to fly into if there is an option of more than one?

For me, I prefer Newark ... but that is because I live north of the city. I would think LaGuardia s the best for you. Then get a shuttle or taxi into the city.

OMG, we crashed the ticket site!!!

How far is Penn Station from the LaQuinta? Is it possible to get a taxi?

There's always room at my house. Just bring your air mattress. Don't have that many beds.a.lot, LOL!

The two trains arriving at Penn Station from Raleigh before show time on Jan. 18 are sold out! Coincidence?

I just bought my Spamalot tickets. I'm going Jan. 30, and I have Center Orchestra Row A! EEEEEE!!!

In addition to the chorus lines of EEEEE's accompanying excited board posts, a corps of animated emoticons depict fan enthusiasm about the latest bulletins.

Claymates Ready for Tights

Claymates," the name for Aiken's rabid fans, may also be astonished to see their favorite shaggy-haired singer in a blond pageboy and knee-length tunic - the getup Robin sports in the musical spoof about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail.

The question raised in the above graph at several news sites has been answered many times over by fans throughout Clay Cyberspace. Indicative are the Photoshopped picture of the long-locked singer by Invisible926 and Wandacleo's very clever post at Finding Clay Aiken, used here with permission.


Preview of Sir Clay/Robin -- Invisible926

Ode to Sir Clay in Tights

by Wandacleo

I would see Clay in a brothel
Where the clientele is awful.
I would see him chant with Buddhists
or (PLEASE, GOD) a camp for nudists.
I would travel on a horse,
Motorcycle, boat, or worse.
I would surely go to hell
just to watch him cast his spell.
My lust is constant and it's steady.
Packed my bags and I am ready.
The Big Apple's in my sights
Just to see Clay's ass in tights!!!


Below is a clickable of Amazing_CA's opening graphic:

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

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