Arthur: I am your king!
Woman: Well I didn’t vote for you!
~From Spamalot
~~~~~
For some reason I smile when January 18th comes around. All I can think about is January 18, 2008. That was the day that Clay Aiken made his Broadway debut in the hilarious Spamalot. Clay played multiple roles. He portrayed a friar, a guard, another guard, and the cowardly Sir Robin, the knight who is a bit of a chicken, afraid of everything and loves to sing.
The role of Sir Robin is a lead part in Spamalot and was originated by David Hyde Pierce. Spamalot is a Tony winning musical. It was directed by Mike Nichols and co-created by Eric Idle. Clay said that the chance to work with both of these men was “a reason to jump at the opportunity.”
The crowds loved Clay, but so did Mike Nichols. He said:
Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character. People will be surprised by his wide-ranging talent.
Besides the good words from Nichols, Clay also got great reviews from the Broadway critics. The following review from Newsday is a fun read. Remember, if you can’t read it, just click on the picture and it will become enlarged.
I was one of the lucky people who had the opportunity to see Clay on Broadway more than once. I was even lucky enough to sit in the right seat one night and be the appointed peasant of the night. I loved seeing Clay act, sing and dance…”all at the same time.”
I hope that Clay will return to Broadway someday. I can’t wait. Whatever role he chooses will be interesting and exciting.
Hosaa has put together a wonderful Spamalot montage. She shows the special relationship between Clay Aiken and his fans. It’s a must-see.
Two days before Clay opened in Spamalot, he visited with ET and he gave a cute interview about his preparation for the show.
Did you see Clay in Spamalot?
I would love to see Clay back on Broadway, too! He is so multi-talented, as we have known throughout the years. Thank you CANN and Hosaa for the videos and the articles!
This was great!! Loved watching this again… Clay didn't need to worry, cause he was fantastic as Sir Robin!!!!!
How fun to remember Spamalot. Clay was fabulous in the show.
Thank you for the pictures and videos.
How fun to remember Spamalot. Clay was a real star in that show. I saw it live when my husband and I came to New York.
Please…I hope Clay will choose to be in another show on Broadway. He is so talented.
Love Spamalot…love Clay. It was a perfect match.
I know Clay loves talking about the news, but I sure hope he returns to Broadway.
Thank you, CANN, for posting this.
Thanks! I had not seen the ET segment before. I'm so grateful I was able to go to NYC to see Clay in Spamalot more than once but never had that 'magic' seat.
Thanks, too, to all of the fans who made montages, actually took videos and maintained them for safekeeping. Priceless memories.
How fun to see the Spamalot pictures and videos. I loved seeing Clay in the show. Maybe he can figure out a way to perform and use his voice.
Thank you, CANN for your article today and everyday.
Spamalot…loved it and Clay was so good. It looked like he was having fun too.
Thank you for posting the fun things you do. I read here every day.
I did see Clay in Spamalot 4 times and loved it every time. Clay was fantastic!!
i dint get a chance to see clay in spamalot how eveer i did see the clay sir robin video and the part where he played a friyer and anther guard and anther guard the pictures and videos were amazing clay is amazingley verry talented in singing and his acting is incredable i would have loved to see clay sing and dance and talk
I got to see Clay in Spamalot…5 times!!! Loved Sir Robin every time!! Saw his final 3 shows and for the last one from the front row! Thanks for the memories
I was there for his debut!! That was such a great time with so many wonderful friends. How fun to relive it!! I had never seen that ET segment before. That was great!!! Thanks for sharing that.
Seeing Jerome there right along side Clay like he always was makes me a bit sad and nostalgic for those days. I haven't seen an update on him recently. I hope he is doing well.
Wasn't a Clay fan back then but if he goes back to Broadway I will set up a tent outside the ticket office and see every show! 🙂