Photo Flash: 'MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT' Opens at the Ahmanson Theatre

"Monty Python's Spamalot," the popular musical lovingly ripped-off from the internationally famous comedy team's most popular motion picture, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," opened Center Theatre Group's 2009-2010 at the Ahmanson Theatre of the Los Angeles Music Center on July 7th. "Monty Python's Spamalot" plays through September 6, 2009.

The Ahmanson production marks the first time the international hit comedy will be presented in Los Angeles. John O'Hurley stars as King Arthur.

Directed by Mike Nichols, "Monty Python's Spamalot" features a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, with music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Idle and John Du Prez. Casey Nicholaw is the choreographer.

"Monty Python's Spamalot" is the winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical. The original cast recording of "Monty Python's Spamalot" won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

In addition to the many legitimate theatrical awards with which "Monty Python's Spamalot" has been honored, it also holds The Guinness World ReportTM for "World's Largest Coconut Orchestra" which was set on April 23, 2007, when 5,567 fans gathered in Trafalgar Square and accompanied original Python members Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life."

"Monty Python's Spamalot" recounts the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail, featuring a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits, and an armless and legless knight.

Group tickets can be purchased now by calling (213) 972-7231. The 2009-2010 Ahmanson Theatre season tickets will be available by mid-February. Single tickets will be available in early April. For more information about "Monty Python's Spamalot" at the Ahmanson Theatre, please visit CTG's Web site at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or call (213) 628-2772.

"Monty Python's Spamalot" is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions.

Photos by Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

John O'Hurley