More Stunt Casting: Clay Aiken in Spamalot
Speaking of stunt casting, it appears that "American Idol" runner up Clay Aiken will be donning tights (For the first time? You be the judge) and stepping into the armor-soiling role of Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot early next year.
Holy freakin' crap.
If I actually followed pop music, I might know a little something about Aiken's post-Idol success. All I know is that he's become a living, breathing punchline, thanks in large part to the comedic ministrations of D-list denizen Kathy Griffin.
As I mentioned in my previous post below, I'm usually willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt. But I really have a hard time seeing Aiken as Sir Robin, especially after having seen David Hyde Pierce perform the role so masterfully with the original Spamalot cast. Methinks Aiken might be better off taking on the role of Prince Herbert, the guy who falls in love with Sir Lancelot. But Clay "No Really, I'm Straight. Honest" Aiken would certainly never take on that role. It would probably hit a little too close to home.
Aiken will be appearing in Spamalot from January to May 2008.
Chris, I've missed your voice! Wonder how Perez Hilton will take this news...
Posted by: Steve On Broadway (SOB) | October 16, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Well, I know that David Hyde Pierce is a fine comedic actor but i have never heard him sing. I also know that Clay Aiken is an extremely talented singer but I haven't seen him act. So I am assuming they are both capable of performing in this musical. Everyone who takes over a role has to make it their own somewhat. Clay must have been at least pretty good in his audition to get the role of Sir Robin.
Posted by: ms | October 16, 2007 at 02:28 PM
Some how I don't believe that he had to audition. David Hyde Pierce isn't the best singer in town but he is a spot on, dead pan comic actor with brilliant timing. About Aiken, I quote myself from another blog where I commented: I don't like American Idol. I don't like Clay Aiken. I fear that this trend is bad for Broadway. What about all of the people who have dreamed and studied and worked their whole lives to be on Broadway just to be turned away because producers and general audiences would rather go with stunt casting? It's not like me to be pessimistic, but I'm feeling a little sick about this one. And I fear that the venerable Shubert Alley will never be the same once it is invaded by the so-called Claymates. Note to self, stay far away from 44th and 45th street this winter.
Posted by: SarahB | October 18, 2007 at 09:43 AM
You guys don't know Clay. He is freakin' hilarious. He has a sharp wit and great comedic timing. Last year at Christmas he had us rolling in the aisles with his humor. My husband is not a fan per say but thought Clay was very funny. So did a lot of other people who were not fanatics about him.
Give him a chance and go see him in Spamalot. He is funny. He is great at verbal and physical humor.
Ruben on idol said and I paraphrase that Clay was so funny, he had them laughing all the time.
Posted by: marge | January 11, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Sorry not last Christmas, was the Christmas 2006
Posted by: marge | January 11, 2008 at 05:36 PM
If you haven't seen Aiken yet, there's only a few weeks left. I was so nervous -- I loved DHP in the part -- but Chris Sieber (Galahad) is right, Clay makes the part his own. He's fantastic and very, very funny.
Posted by: Corey | March 15, 2008 at 11:25 AM