Spamalot: 2003 American Idol runner up, Clay Aiken, to play Sir Robin

Clay Aiken, the 2003 'American Idol' runner up contestant, will join the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python�s Spamalot, making his Broadway debut in the role of Sir Robin from 18 Jan - 4 May 2008.

Clay Aiken, who has sold more than 6 million albums; co-authored a best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said �I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with. 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. 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!�

Spamalot opened at Shubert Theatre on the 17 Mar 2005 following previews from the 14 Feb 2005. The show is currently booking to 6 May 2008.

Spamalot, a new musical ripped-off from the internationally famous comedy teams most popular motion picture, 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', features a book by Eric Idle, 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, with an entirely new score featuring music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, along with three songs from the 1975 film.

The musical opened to excellent notices. The New York Post wrote "Bloody fantastic. Gorgeously silly. Superlative and better.� The USA Today said "Somewhere on the mythical Isle of Avalon, King Arthur is rolling over in his grave � and laughing till his armor rattles." and NewsDay printed "Eric Idle and Mike Nichols have indeed fashioned a Holy Grail of a big, crowd-pleasing Broadway musical comedy. The show slays 'em like Excalibur."

Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail. The musical features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

The musical, directed by Mike Nichols and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, currently features Jonathan Hadary (King Arthur), Marin Mazzie (The Lady of the Lake), Rick Holmes (Sir Lancelot), Martin Moran (Sir Robin), Michael McGrath (Patsy), Lewis Cleale (Sir Galahad), Jeffrey Kuhn (Sir Bedevere) and Tom Deckman (Historian/Prince Herbert).

Spamalot, is produced on Broadway by Ostar Boyett Productions. The production is directed by Mike Nichols; choreographed by Casey Nicholaw; sets and costumes by Tim Hatley; lighting by Hugh Vanstone ; and musical direction by Todd Ellison.