"Spamalot" headlines new Mann season

Photo Courtsey BB Mann Performing Arts Hall "Monty Python's Spamalot" headlines Mann 2007-2008 Broadway series "Monty Python's Spamalot," the hit Broadway comedy that follows a gaggle of silly knights on their search for the Holy Grail, headlines the 2007-2008 Broadway series at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

Besides "Spamalot," a Tony Awardwinner in 2005 for Best Musical, the series will feature Irving Berlin's "While Christmas," "Ring of Fire," "Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy," "The Wedding Singer" and "Blast!"

Hall general manager Scott Saxon said this Broadway series "is all about fun.

"Spamalot" is still one of the hottest tickets on Broadway," he said. "Blast!' is so engaging …with all the horns and drums and 'The Wedding Singer' takes us back to the 1980s."

While there is no blockbuster such as this year's "Lion King" - which recently drew 84,000 to Mann Hall - the works span generations.

Berlin's "White Christmas" is an adaptation of Bing Crosby's 1954 epic film. "The Wedding Singer," like "Spamalot's" predecessor; the 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," is also taken from a popular biopic. It's based on the 1998 movie about rock-star wannabee Robbie Hart featuring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

COURTESY PHOTO FLORIDA WEEKLY Monty Python's Spamalot at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall - Feb. 26-March 29, 2008 "Ring of Fire" comes on the heels of "Walk the Line," the 2005 Academy Award-winning film detailing the life of American icon Johnny Cash. The revue features 38 Cash songs.

"Blast!" is a troupe of 35 brass, percus- sion and visual performers brought together in a unique explosion of music and theatre.

"Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy" is an all-new adventure that takes the audience soaring into a magical forest through the air and on stage. An international cast of aerialists, spine bending contortionists, vine swinging characters, strong men and balancers bring this jungle dream to life in a lush setting filled with wildly unpredictable designs, special effects, inventive choreography, puppeteering and dazzling costumes.

"It's just a fun season," Saxon said.

Subscriptions for the 2007-2008 Broadway Series; which range in price from $105 to $382 are available at the Mann box office or by calling (239) 481-4849. Group sales are available by calling Tonya Thomas-Schrott at (239) 489-3033 extension 3122.

The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located on the campus of Edison College; and is managed for the College by Professional Facilities Management. n

COURTESY PHOTO FLORIDA WEEKLY Cirque Dreams Jungle Fever at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall - Feb. 5-10, 2008