Saw a article on it on broadway.com

wtf? random.

So the stunt casting begins...

My first reaction as well.

NO NO NO NO NO NO.

Congrats to Clay on his first broadway role. Not sure I want him in Spamalot, odd show choice. But I knew he'd end up on broadway someday.

As it turns out, not such an odd choice after all. From all accounts, Clay brought down the house on his opening night. I wish I could have been there to see it.

But was it a house full of Clay Aiken fangirls? That's the question. I'd like to see an actual review of his performance. It'll be interesting to find out how he did. I think he is clearly a better singer than, say, David Hyde Pierce, but I wonder if he has the comedic chops to play the part...

If you think about it, Spamalot is alll about the stunt casting - Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, the voice of John Cleese, Marin Mazzie...

Of course there were many of his fans there, to support him on opening night. But from what they said, there were also many non-fans, men, young people, families, etc. And from the videos at the stage door I've seen, this seems to be the case. I'd like to hear from any (non-Aiken) Spamalot fans who have seen the show since he stepped into the part. What did they think? I am also interested to see the actual reviews. But judging from the comments so far, I'd say his singing, comedic timing, and the 3 british accents he does, are not a problem. Now the dancing? That's another subject.

Just thought I'd bring this quote over, from an associated press article, on Yahoo.com today.

Associate director Peter Lawrence says Aiken has been no idle diva; the singer asked to be treated like any other company member and has been surprisingly fearless.
"Clay really surprised me. When you meet him, he's this sweet kid from North Carolina with an accent. And you think there's no way he can do Cambridge material. And then he does," says Lawrence.
"It's been a total delight and a surprise for me and everyone in the company to work with Clay because he can do things you'd never imagine he could do."

Good point, but it's a shame to see it happen to such a good show. Well, I don't know if you consider it good, but it's a favorite of mine.

Aw, damnit Spam. Please don't die, please don't die, please don't dieee.