I was hoping it wasn't true...

...and I am very sad. Sorry.

Start spreding the news...I'm leaving today...

...well...by the time most of you read this I will be heading out with my concert buddy to NYC to catch OMC in SPAMALOT! Yes, Virginia, we have tickets to the Tuesday night show and I was able to score some pretty good front row seats -- how's A101, 102 & 103 sound? I may not be able to wrestle those types of seats away from avid Claymates at Clay's concerts but when it comes to Broadway seats, I KNOW how to get what I want. True, I might lose a little of the downstage business but not having to watch any of the fans watch Clay is exactly what I wanted this time around.

Besides, not may folks know this, but I am a HUGE Monty Python fan and have been since college. That means, I am very familiar with HOLY GRAIL as well as the other movies and TV series. Not something you would expect from me, eh? (NO one expects the Spanish Inquisition...) I have wanted to see this show for the last 5 years and even though I had tickets for the touring company's Rhode Island stop 2 weeks ago, I sold them when I found out Clay would be playing Robin on B'way - for that, I would make the time to get to New York to catch his performance. From what I've read, I know I won't be disappointed.

We'll be heading out early to avoid the snow that's predicted for the afternoon, staying at my friend's daughter's apartment in the city (she'll be coming to the show as well) and getting in some "retail therapy" until dinner and show time. I think we're going to a place called Ruby Foo's for dinner (not my first choice but I love Chinese food) and then off to the theatre. My friend wants to do the stage door thing afterwards so I guess I'll have to go along. If the weather is decent we're going to try to get to the TODAY show in the AM before we head back home. It's a whirlwind 24 hours but it's gonna be fun and I'm really looking forward to it!

Anyway, I'd better get some sleep so I'm ready for this great adventure. One last thing - should I sit in A101 or should I let my friend's daughter have the seat? You'll have to wait until tomorrow night to see how that one plays out. This is gonna be FUN!!!!

Carry on!
J

Another IDOL hits the Great White Way!

Clay Aiken Joins Broadway's `Spamalot'

1 hour ago

NEW YORK (AP) — Clay Aiken is going from "American Idol" to Eric Idle's "Spamalot."

Aiken will join the Broadway cast of "Monty Python's Spamalot" on Jan. 18, playing one of the leads, Sir Robin, in the Tony Award-winning musical directed by Mike Nichols.

"I really couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with," said Aiken, who became a recording and concert star after his appearances on the TV series "American Idol."

"Let's not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity."

Aiken will appear in the show, which is based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," through May 4, 2008. The musical's book is by Idle, an original member of the Python gang, and its score is by Idle and John DuPrez.

"Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice," Nichols said. "Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character."

Maybe Simon was right after all - Clay is perfect for Broadway and the part of Sir Robin will suit him just fine. I guess I'll be embarking on a road trip to NYC in January! Any excuse to go to "the city" is OK with me...

Break a leg, Aiken - I think you'll be a smash!