Spamalot: Merle Dandridge assumes the role of 'The Lady of the Lake'

Merle Dandridge assumes the role of 'The Lady of the Lake' this evening (2 Sep 2008) in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python�s Spamalot, assuming the role of 'The Lady of the Lake' from Marin Mazzie.

Dandridge's Broadway credits also include 'Aida' (2000), 'Jesus Christ Superstar' (2000 revival) and 'Tarzan' (2006 revival).

Spamalot opened at Shubert Theatre on the 17 Mar 2005 following previews from the 14 Feb 2005. The show is currently booking to 1 Feb 2009.

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, now features ***Stephen Collins (King Arthur), Merle Dandridge (The Lady of the Lake), Bradley Dean (Sir Dennis), Rick Holmes (Sir Lancelot), Drew Lachey (Patsy), ***Robert Petkoff (Sir Robin/Guard/Brother Maynard), Tom Deckman (Historian/Prince Herbert) and Wally Dunn (Sir Bedevere)
***Note: Michael Siberry assumes the role of 'King Arthur' from 16 Sep)
Clay Aiken assumes the role of 'Sir Robin' from 19 Sep).

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.