Tim Curry Annointed King of B'way Spamalot

Tim Curry is set to star as King Arthur in Monty Python's upcoming Broadway musical Spamalot, according to syndicated columnist Liz Smith.

Ken Mandelbaum first reported Curry was offered a role in Spamalot on June 16. Curry is best known for creating the role of Dr. Frank 'N' Furter in the original theatrical production of The Rocky Horror Show and the film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He earned Tony nominations for his work in the play Amadeus and the musical My Favorite Year. Other theatrical credits include Hair, Lie Down, I Think I Love You and A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. This fall he'll be seen on the big screen in the film Kinsey opposite Laura Linney and Liam Neeson.

Spamalot, which is being billed as "officially ripped-off" from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, will feature a book by Eric Idle based on the screenplay he co-wrote with fellow Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin and music and lyrics by Idle and John Du Prez. The stage show will include three songs up from two when the project was announced from the 1975 Monty Python and the Holy Grail film.

Spamalot will have its world premiere at Chicago's Shubert Theatre from December 21, 2004 through January 16, 2005 in preparation for a spring Broadway berth. Mike Nichols is set to direct the musical, which will feature sets by Tony Award winner Tim Hatley.

No casting has been officially announced for the production, but Ken Mandelbaum has also reported that Hank Azaria and David Hyde Pierce have been offered roles in the musical. In addition, as previously mentioned, Sara Ramirez is expected to appear in the tuner.

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