Directed by Mike Nichols, Monty Python’s Spamalot features a book written by Eric Idle based on the screenplay of the cult comedy classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” famously created by the Python team of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. A new score and lyrics were written by the Grammy Award-winning team of Idle and John Du Prez, with choreography by Casey Nicholaw. Monty Python’s Spamalot is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical. The original cast recording won a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. In addition to the national touring production, Monty Python’s Spamalot on Broadway continues to do record business. A U.K. production opened last fall to rave reviews at London’s Palace Theatre, a Las Vegas production opened at Wynn Las Vegas in spring 2007, and a Melbourne, Australia production opened to critical acclaim at Her Majesty’s Theatre in December 2007.

Mike Nichols has been acclaimed as one of the great American directors in film, theater and television, winning an Academy Award and eight Tony Awards. He recently received the Directors' Guild of America (DGA) 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” and “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 the 15,000 mile journey by bus was published by Harper Collins and his long awaited sequel “The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch” was released by Warner Video. 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 and III.” He has worked with Eric Idle since 1978.

Set and costume design for Monty Python's Spamalot is by Tony Award-winner Tim Hatley, lighting design is by Hugh Vanstone and sound design is by ACME Sound Partners. Others on the creative and production teams include David Brian Brown (hair and wig design), Gregory Meeh (special effects design), Elaine McCarthy (projection design), Joseph A. Campayno (make-up design), Larry Hochman (orchestrations), Glen Kelly (music arrangements), Todd Ellison (musical supervision and vocal arrangements), Michael Keller (musical coordinator), Peter Lawrence (associate director), Tara Rubin (casting) and Gene O'Donovan (production manager). Monty Python’s Spamalot is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions.

Monty Python isn't a person, but a group of British actors and writers (and one American). The lone U.S. team member, Terry Gilliam, was born in Medicine Lake, Minnesota, later moved to California with his family and now maintains a residence in Italy. He played “Patsy” in the original Holy Grail film and first became involved with future Pythons Cleese, Idle, Palin and Jones through his work as an animator and cartoonist. The troupe performed their famous comedy show “Monty Python's Flying Circus” on BBC television from 1969 to 1974, with subsequent international fame and success. For more information, go to www.MontyPythonsSpamalot.com.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for Monty Python’s Spamalot are on sale now and range in price from $29 to $79, depending upon performance time and seating preference. All prices include applicable facility fees. Additional charges may apply. Tickets may be purchased in person at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55402), online at HennepinTheatreDistrict.org or through Ticketmaster at 612-673-0404.

Performance dates for Monty Python’s Spamalot are Tuesday, May 27 through Sunday, June 1, 2008 at the Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402.

Show times for Monty Python’s Spamalot are:
Tuesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 30 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 31 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 1 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Groups of 20 or more save 10% on most performances; please call 612-373-5665 for information and reservations.