Behind The Scenes at Spamalot

WRAL and Linda Loveland go behind the scenes with Clay Aiken in Spamalot.

Clay walks through the wig and costume area, the music pit and his dressing room - talking about the wonderful cast and crew of Spamalot and joking about his costume . . .

Aiken goes through several costume changes during the play, but he keeps ripping one in particular.

“Literally, they’ve had to modify things to make it work for me, because they’ve never had someone dance quite as well as me,” he joked.

So, where is the rip?

“Right in the crotch, as a matter of fact,” he said.

his wigs . . .

Wigs are another part of his costume. He wears three, and they’re all made out of real hair.

“Look! Even my wig is going gray from all the stress. Look! Do you see that?” he laughed.

And much more. Watch the whole fun interview at WRAL Aiken Reveals Backstage Secrets.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken
Spamalot
Monty Python
Broadway
Linda Loveland
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Clay Talks About Spamalot - and Alot More

Finally - a nice long interview with Clay Aiken about Spamalot that's more than sound bites. Here's some tidbits to give you a feeling for this nice, long piece - but read it in full on Broadway.com.

The truth is, Clay is smart guy who knows what works for him, and he was shrewd enough to realize that Spamalot, in its own nutty way, would be a good match for his talents and his sunny sensibility. "If somebody said to me, 'Who in this cast has never done theater?' he is the last person I would have chosen," says Hannah Waddingham, the Olivier Award-nominated British musical star who joined the show as the Lady of the Lake the same night Aiken debuted.

Based on some research I did, I know that a lot of diehard Broadway fans can't stand it, so there was automatic concern that people within the industry were going to be upset that I was doing this because I took [the role] away from somebody else or I didn't earn my way; I didn't audition the way everybody else does. I was concerned about that, not just in terms of Broadway fans but people in the cast who might have wanted to see somebody else get it. And I could not have been more wrong when it comes to the people who work in the industry. There's always going to be some 13-year-old sitting at his computer in Topeka who's bitter. But every person I've worked with has been unbelievably phenomenal and welcoming.

I will say this, though: If I ever hear Simon Cowell insult someone on the show by using "You belong on Broadway" as a put-down, he can kiss my butt for that!

Now - read the whole interview . . . Clay Aiken - Q&A.

Broadwayworld reports week ending 2/10 numbers for Broadway shows. Spamalot is up 17.9% in capacity from last week and up 24% in gross sales from last week!

And don't forget to buy your tickets for Spamalot.

For discount tickets - here's a great deal:

There are three easy ways to purchase these discount tickets:

1. Go to Broadwayoffers.com or visit broadwayoffers.com and enter code SP4CLAY
2. Call (212) 947-8844 and mention code SP4CLAY
3. Print a copy of this offer and bring it to the box office at 225 W. 44th St (between Broadway and 8th Ave)

* Select Orchestra and Mezzanine: $70. Balcony: $45. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Offer valid through 3/23/08 excluding Friday & Saturday evenings and 2/15/08 - 2/17/08. Additional blackout dates may occur. Offer subject to availability.

And don't forget -- Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids Teddy Bear Auction - February 17 . Check out the Spamalot Bear signed by David Hyde Pierce and Clay Aiken.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken
Spamalot
Monty Python
Broadway
Mike Nichols
Broadway Cares
Simon Cowell
David Hyde Pierce

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