Monty Python goes musical in 'Spamelot'

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A musical adaptation of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is set to open on Broadway in the Spring of 2005, following out-of-town engagements.

The classic comedy will have a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay by Idle and his fellow Monty Python players Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin with music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. The hilarious spoof of King Arthur and his Knights will be directed by Mike Nichols.

The musical will feature a completely new score and include two songs from the 1975 film.

"I like the title 'Spamelot' a lot," Idle said, "but I was thinking it might be smart to ask audiences on my upcoming U.S. tour if they liked it as much as I do. After all, they are the ones who will be paying Broadway prices to see the show. So there's a good chance the title may change."

Idle's "Greedy Ba$tard Tour" of North America begins Oct. 1 and will be at the Town Hall in New York Oct. 29-30.

Other members of the "Spamelot" creative team include choreographer Jerry Mitchell, currently represented on Broadway by "Hairspray" and "Gypsy," and designer Tim Hatley ("Private Lives," "Vincent in Brixton").

Mike Nichols recently directed the six-hour "Angels in America." for HBO, and is working on the film of "Closer" for Columbia Pictures.