I was bereft of even an inroad into a joke about Clay Aiken’s new role as the cowardly Sir Robin in the Broadway production of Spamalot, until fellow PWer Gary Susman suggested this one: Spamalot has a hilarious song about how you can’t succeed on Broadway without a Jew, but these days, it seems, you need more than just a chosen person — you need an American Idol alum. (In support of this hypothesis, Aiken even gets to sing that "You Won’t Succeed on Broadway" number.)
Before you die of laughter, please check out Clark Collis’ review of Aiken’s performance in the Tony-winning version of the 1975 movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and let us know if you agree or disagree with his assessment below. Or, for those of us who have yet to see it, which other ex-Idolers would you suggest for the part?
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Well at least that do’s better than that thing he calls a haircut. And he does look better as a red head.
SAN-GYNA
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL is probably my favorite comedy of all time. But I hated, hated, hated SPAM-A-LOT! I am completely fed up with Broadway’s lack of originality in creating so many musicals based on films. I know it’s been happening like that for a long time already and many have become legendary (i.e., 42ND STREET), but enough is enough!
Eric Idle wrote the script so I am sure that it’s not THAT bad? I mean The Ruttles was pretty darn funny.
Is it just me or does he look like medieval-style Ellen Pompeo in this picture?
@Martha
He’s also done plenty of dreck in the last couple of decades, including a lot of watered-down rehashes of his group work. He even went off on his own and filmed an atrocious Rutles sequel/remake on the cheap & with none of the other Rutles’ involvement–they only appear in leftover footage from the first movie.
Those who have no prior expectations of Clay and those who like him will probably enjoy him very much in the role of Sir Robin. Even his Spamalot castmates (Christopher and Hannah) say Clay “Owns the role of Sir Robin”. But those who dislike Clay let their personal prejudice get in the way and will dig until they find something to criticize, they always do and it gets old.
Oh dear. Of all the pictures you had to show of Clay on broadway it’s one of him choking a (rubber) chicken.
Clay Aiken was great as Sir Robin. I disagree with the review that he was too tentative – how else would a cowardly Knight act? We were really impressed with his performance. I expected the singing to be great but his dancing and acting was surprisingly good too!
The show is LOL funny and has one of the most talented casts on Broadway. This is a must see!
If you haven’t seen Clay Aiken in Spamalot, you have no valid comment. I have seen it, and Clay is excellent as Sir Robin, the guard, and Brother Maynard. The theaters have been packed, even during bad weather, and he audiences have enjoyed his performances tremendously. His fellow cast members have said had nothing but high praise for him. Mike Nichols and Eric Idle personally chose him. Entertainment Weekly has a nasty attitude. I suggest ignoring them.
well i actually did see clay in spamalot and he was damn good. suprising to many maybe but, nonetheless very true.the guy gets criticized alot but he is a really good singer and pretty smart. i think he’ll be just fine.
I saw Spamalot yesterday and laughed my face off. Initially I wasn’t excited about Clay Aiken doing the role, but he’s perfect in it. He’s younger than DHPierce, and a much better singer. I saw Curtains tonight, and love DH Pierce, but Aiken owned Sir Robin. I don’t think he was tentative at all.
Clay is brilliant in the role. He’s quite similar to David Hyde Pierce who I also adore.
The reviewer needs to be a little less snotty.
I’m going to NYC for spring break to see this show. Can’t really comment other than hearsay reports that Clay’s doing a great job in this role, his first major acting part other than a bit of regional theater years ago. Monty Python’s irreverent, off-the-wall humor is an acquired taste…either you get it or you don’t…much the same as one’s appreciation for Clay’s style of singing. Makes me think he’s probably found a great fit here! I can’t wait! To those who don’t “get it” (Python or Aiken), more’s the pity. There are plenty enough who do, to keep the man gainfully employed in the entertainment business. Hope you find someone to enjoy & look forward to supporting. It’s much more satisfying to be positive and happy than to always looking for & voicing the negative. “Peace Out”
I disagree with Collis’ description of Clay as “too tentative, withdrawn, and well, un-silly”. I saw “Spamalot” last weekend and Clay was wonderful. Sir Robin IS a COWARDLY knight. He is NOT supposed to be “gloriously beserk” like other characters in the play! His every facial expression and movement is “spot on” for someone who thought being a knight was “dressing up and dancing”! And where was Mr. Collis’ when Clay was dancing? In ensembles and solos, he was perfect! Not to mention, he’s pretty good and awfully “silly” when “soiling his armor”! I do agree that Clay is good in his other characters but his “Can’t Succeed on Broadway” is a true show-stopper.
To be fair, it appears that Collis was not familiar with what he was sent to review and brought his own bias against American Idol alums with him instead of an open mind. If he had even read the Playbill he would know that the wonderful Hannah Waddingham has been playing her “gloriously beserk” part in London for years.
And Now For Something COMPLETELY Different:
With slight apology to Mr. Collis, how about a review by a professional drama critic with 24 years + experience?
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/22/arts/NA-A-E-STG-US-Spamalot-Revisited.php
Wow, that’s Clay??? He’s….. handsome!
If you want a REAL theater review, read the one put out by the AP.
Saw Spamalot with Clay.. Clay was great! Laughed my bumm off so much we are going to another show. You would think the role was written for Clay.
did this “reviewer” even see the show!?
First off, let me say I’ve not followed Clay Aiken or his career. I heard of him of course, but have never seen him perform. My husband and I took a trip to NYC and decided to take in a few broadway shows. Hubby loves slap stick humor so we decided on Spamalot. We totally enjoyed it and completely were taken with Clay Aiken and his Sir Robin! My word that man is talented! He brought the house down several times. So wonder what play this reviewer was at?
Seems the NY critics vehemently disagree with EW’s assessment, just as they did with Fantasia. Can you guys just give up on your anti-AI-star bias for once & for all? Artists like Clay, Carrie, Kelly etc have proved themselves worthy of respect for their talents a thousand times over by now. Jeez, at least they can SING like nobody’s business, which is more than you can say for most of the 20-something recording stars out there.
Seems the NY critics vehemently disagree with EW’s assessment, just as they did with Fantasia. Can you guys just give up on your anti-AI-star bias for once & for all? Artists like Clay, Carrie, Kelly etc have proved themselves worthy of respect for their talents a thousand times over by now. Jeez, at least they can SING like nobody’s business, which is more than you can say for most of the 20-something recording stars out there.