Eric Idle is the talented and funny mastermind who created the very famous Broadway musical Spamalot. In 2009, Mr. Idle was a guest on the talk show Good Morning LA and he talked about the history of the show and about how exciting it is that the touring show is about to open in Los Angeles.

Clay Aiken, who starred in the Broadway production of Spamalot as Sir Robin was a talking point in the interview.

There was much excitement for Clay fans when they found out that Clay was going to star on Broadway at the beginning of 2008. Clay fans flocked to the theater from all over the world. And many of the fans who traveled to the city, saw the show more than once. The fans were excited and supportive and tried to see Clay before his run was over. I doubt that any Clay fans will forget Clay’s last appearance when there were so many fans at the stage door in Shubert Alley that Clay took to the roof and gave his fans a kiss and a wave.

It was a surprise to many when Clay rejoined the show for a second run. The audience for the show was waning and the company was counting on Clay to bring more people and excitement to the show.

Mr. Idle commented in the interview in LA that during the second run, Clay confirmed publicly that he was gay and Mr. Idle seemed sad that some people might have stayed away because if this. But Clay still brought many people, fans and those who had lost track of Clay, to the show.

There were many reasons that the audience was smaller for Clay’s second run in Spamalot.

Most of the fans of Clay had already spent their vacation money on the first run. They just did not have the finances to make another trip across the country. Many had to enjoy the second run by reading the reports of the fans that lived close by and could attend.

Twelve Broadway shows closed in January, 2009. The country was hurting and Broadway was feeling the loss. However Clay left the show with great numbers.

Clay’s closing week in Spamalot was the highest grossing week since 2006.

The official numbers for Clay’s last two weeks on Broadway are:

$968,563 98 – 2nd to last week

$1,068,658 101 – Week ending Jan 4th – This was Clay’s last week.

$811,514 99 – Final curtain for Spamalot. Clay was not performing that week.

How exciting to see the numbers and recognize that Clay Aiken and his talent were an important part of Spamalot.

Clay Aiken had great reviews for his run in Spamalot and he brought many people to the theater. He was a valuable asset to the show and should be respected and congratulated for what he brought to Broadway.

Did you see Clay in Spamalot?  More than once??