The ultimate Broadway show is due to open February 14th at the Shubert Theater in New York. Eric Idle (Monty Python) is the lyricist and writer, Mike Nichols is the producer and it stars David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry and Hank Azaria. It is called "Spamalot."

Based on the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical begins previews Feb. 14 at New York's Shubert Theatre. It will run in Chicago from Dec. 21 to Jan. 23.

Hormel plans to issue Spam golden honey grail in a collector's edition can. The product will be available in limited quantities at select New York City retailers in February.

For those who can't wait, cans will be given to the first 100 customers who purchase tickets when the Shubert box office opens Dec. 6.

"Spam is the holy grail of canned meats," Eric Idle, a Monty Python veteran and lyricist and book writer for the new musical, said in a recent statement.

Spamalot, directed by Mike Nichols, stars David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry and Hank Azaria.

Idle has said the musical will be "as good as or quite likely better than any other show with killer rabbits and a legless knight opening on Broadway or in Chicago this season."

Hormel spokeswoman Julie Craven said company executives who have read the script said it's hysterical, and company leaders including chief executive Joel Johnson plan to attend the show's New York opening.

She said Hormel sees New York as an ideal spot to promote the iconic Spam brand.

"New York is a great place to get buzz," said Craven. "It is where buzz starts."

The name of the production is taken from a line in the "Camelot Song" from the movie:

We're Knights of the Round Table.
We dance whene'er we're able.
We do routines and chorus scenes
With footwork impeccable.
We dine well here in Camelot.
We eat ham and jam and spam a lot.
We're Knights of the Round Table.
Our shows are formidable,
But many times we're given rhymes
That are quite unsingable.
We're opera mad in Camelot.
We sing from the diaphragm a lot.
In war we're tough and able,
Quite indefatigable.
Between our quests we sequin vests and impersonate Clark Gable.
It's a busy life in Camelot.

I have to push the pram a lot.

First, I am DEFINITELY going to see this play! MP and the HG is a classic, and one of the funniest movies ever made. The people involved with this should be able to do it justice.

Secondly, how smart is Hormel? Instead of getting their knickers in a bunch and filing lawsuits to prevent the production, they are using the play as a terrific marketing gimmick. Collector's Edition Spam? What will people do with it?

["Well, there's egg and bacon; egg sausage and bacon; egg and spam; egg bacon and spam; egg bacon sausage and spam; spam bacon sausage and spam; spam egg spam spam bacon and spam; spam sausage spam spam bacon spam tomato and spam . . ."

Speaking of promotions, Burger King is quite unhappy about a rash of kidnappings at its restaurants. It seems that people have been stealing their huge inflatable SpongeBob Squarepants balloons that were used to promote a tie-in with the new SpongeBob movie.

NEW YORK - Burger King really wants its SpongeBob inflatables back, and the burger chain is even willing to offer a one-year's supply of free Whoppers, salads or any other item on its menu as a reward for information leading to their safe return.

Miami-based Burger King has been inflicted with a spate of "Spongenappings" that began Nov. 11 in which vandals made off with several gigantic blow-up SpongeBob Squarepants figures that were perched on rooftops of different restaurants across the country.

"As to the motives behind these apparent 'Spongenappings,' we can only speculate. We did receive one ransom note related to an inflatable SpongeBob disappearance in Minnesota," Russ Klein, Burger King's chief marketing officer, said in a statement Friday.

Anyone with information about the missing SpongeBobs is asked to call (305) 378-3998. If the tip leads to the safe return of the inflatables, the reward will be paid in "Burger Bucks," good for a year's supply of original Whopper sandwiches.

However, the reward only applies to SpongeBobs that were 'Spongenapped' in the month of November, the company said.

[So don't run out and steal one now - you've missed your window of opportunity.]

Quote du jour:

"Look, that rabbit's got a vicious streak a mile wide! It's a killer!"

-- Tim the Enchanter
Monty Python and the Holy Grail

previous ~ home ~ next