American Idol's Clay Aiken Headed for Broadway in Spamalot

Clay Aiken, who became a top-selling recording artist after being voted first runner-up in the second season of American Idol, will make his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot beginning January 18, 2008. Aiken has signed to play the not-so-brave knight, a role created by David Hyde Pierce, through May 4.

"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," Aiken said in a statement. "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!"

Director Mike Nichols expressed enthusiasm for his latest bit of star casting: "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice," Nichols said in a statement. "Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for Spamalot."

Spamalot author Eric Idle echoed, "This is great news. I have been a Clay Aiken fan ever since I took my daughter to see him live on the second season of American Idol and she held up a big sign of his name. Maybe now it should read "American Idle."

Since finishing in second place to Ruben Studdard in the 2003 season of American Idol, Aiken has sold more than six million albums, co-authored the best-selling book Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life and played six sold-out concert tours. He is currently touring the country singing with local symphony orchestras. His first appearance on a Broadway stage came on May 24, 2004, when he sang "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" with Heather Headley at Headley's benefit concert for the Children & Family Initiative of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Aiken will replace Martin Moran as Sir Robin in a Broadway cast that also includes Jonathan Hadary, Marin Mazzie, Lewis Cleale, Rick Holmes, Jeffrey Kuhn andTom Deckman. Hannah Waddingham will join the Broadway company on January 13, 2008, replacing Mazzie, who will become the London production's Lady of the Lake .

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