Silly knights: Tony winning musical opens at Mann

COURTESY PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS Michael Siberry as King Arthur and Jeff Dumas as Patsy in the National Touring Production of Monty Python's SPAMALOT. "Monty Python's SPAMALOT," lovingly "ripped-off" from the internationally famous comedy team's most popular motion picture, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," opens at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The hit show runs through Sunday, March 2.

"Monty Python's SPAMALOT" is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols), as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical.

The original cast recording won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

The national touring production continues to do record business across North America, a London production opened last year to rave reviews at London's Palace Theatre, a Las Vegas production opened at Wynn Las Vegas in the spring of 2007, and a Melbourne, Australia production recently opened at Her Majesty's Theatre in December.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS Above: The cast of Monty Python's SPAMALOT in a scene from the National Touring Production. At left, Robert Petkoff as Sir Robin with his Minstrels Directed by Mike Nichols, "Monty Python's SPAMALOT" 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 music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Idle and John Du Prez. Casey Nicholaw is the choreographer.

Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, "Monty Python's SPAMALOT" features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

Mike Nichols has been acclaimed as one of the great American directors in film, theater and television. He has won the Academy Award and eight Tony Awards. He recently received the Directors' Guild of America Award for Lifetime Achievement as well as a DGA Award for the direction of the HBO adaptation of "Angels in America."

Aside from his work with Monty Python in films and on TV, Eric Idle has written a West End play, "Pass the Butler"; three novels, including "The Road to Mars," "The Rutles - A Mockumentary"; and many songs too rude to mention. He has sung opera, acted in movies, appeared on television and crossed America, performing comedy on "The Greedy Bastard Tour." His diary of his 15,000-mile journey by bus was recently published by Harper Collins, and his long-awaited sequel "The Rutles2: Can't Buy Me Lunch" was released by Warner Video in March. There's no saying what he might do next...

John Du Prez has composed over 20 feature film scores including "A Fish Called Wanda," "A Private Function," "The Meaning of Life," "Personal Services," "UHF," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I, II & III." He has worked with Idle since 1978.

Monty Python isn't a person, but a group of British actors and writers (and one American) that performed their famous comedy show "Monty Python's Flying Circus" on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, with subsequent international fame and success.

Tickets for "Monty Python's SPAMALOT" range from $50-$85. Groups of 20 or more, please call (239) 489-3033, extension 3122. For additional information, call the box office at (239) 481-4849.

if you go

>>What: "Monty Python's SPAMALOT"

>>When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, Wednesday, Feb. 27, and Thursday, Feb. 28; 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29 and Saturday, March 1; matinees are Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 2 at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

>>Where: The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 8099 College Parkway

>>Cost: Tickets range from $50-$85

>>Information: Call (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com