Where were you on January 18, 2008? If you were lucky, you were one of the fans who attended Spamalot at the Shubert Theater to see Clay Aiken in his opening show. Playing multiple rolls in the Monty Python spoof of Camelot, Clay acted, sang and danced……”all at the same time.” The crowds loved him, the producer loved him and the critics loved him too. I am sure that Clay will return to Broadway someday and I hope we can all see him in whatever roll he performs.
Hosaa has put together a wonderful Spamalot montage. She shows the special relationship between Clay Aiken and his fans. Its a must-see.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DiEzyKpiTc
Two days before Clay opened in Spamalot, he visited with ET and he gave a cute interview about his preparation for the show.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbdMRI3IRt0
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.
Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the “I Have A Dream” speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968. In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single “Happy Birthday” and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000.
Today, January, 18, 2010, people of all ages and backgrounds are coming together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned. Dr. Martin Luther King devoted his life’s work to causes of equality and social justice. He taught that through nonviolence and service to one another, problems such as hunger and homelessness, prejudice and discrimination can be overcome. Dr. King’s teachings can continue to guide us in addressing our nation’s most pressing needs—poverty, economic insecurity, job loss and education. The volunteers want to make a real difference in their community.
Thank you for the information of Martin Luther King Day.
I enjoyed seeing the video about Spamalot. I look forward to seeing Clay Aiken in another Broadway show someday!
Thank you for a another informative article on MLK. He was a great man.
I hope Clay knows how much his fans truly love him. I'm so wishing him the best for the coming cd. Can't wait to hear his voice.
I loved seeing the footage of Clay backstage before he appeared in Spamlot… I can only imagine the nerves prior to his performance….But he pulled it off beautifully….He was a great Sir Robin. Made the Trip to NYC, and saw Clay 5 times in Spamalot.____I had forgotten about Martin Luther Day, as I am in Canada. But what a man, who worked so hard for civil rights… He will never be forgotten. It takes special people that see the injustice done to humans…,but in seeing it…they just don't talk about it…they actually do something about it. ____Clay does this as well. Not only is Clay a singer…He is an actor, comedian, activist for inclusion, for all children, and the rights and concerns of all people, no matter their race, age, gender or sexual orientation. Talk about an American Idol. This is the person that personifies the title completely.____Hugs,__Judy
Has it really been two years since Clay Aiken opened on Broadway in Spamalot? Ah the memories….Shubert theater, Saridi's, the crowds in Shubert alley waiting for Clay.
A day of rememberence….Clay aiken and MLK. Thank you.
Wow 2 years went by fast! I lived vicariously through others until I was able to be there when he returned in September.
Thanks for the information about the history of Martin Luther King Day, and for the wonderful memories about Spamalot. This blog is great, and I enjoy reading it!
It's hard to believe that it has been 2 years since Clay did Spamalot. What was I doing on the night that Clay appeared in Spamalot. Why, waiting by my computer for any clack I could get. I watched his video's by the stage door and enjoyed every picture that was taken. I was never able to go to see him in Spamalot..but with the help of many fans who were good enough to gather the clack..I was very happy. The information about MLK was very informative and he was a wonderful man who wanted equal rights for everyone. Kind of reminds me of someone else I know.
Clay was just magical in Spamalot. I have such heart felt memories of seeing him perform-memories that I will never ever forget-some of the best memories I have.
I think it is particularly touching that we celebrate Marting Luther King's birthday today-a man who stood for equality for all. Plus we have Clay Aiken who speaks for inclusion for all. Two good men-one who made and another one who is making this world a better place to be.
A wonderful blog-thank you-
Patty
I missed openning night, but hope to be there for future openning nights. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Clay Aiken on Broadway. Clay and Broadway are a perfect fit.