WHAT A DIFFERENCE A CLAY MAKES - the $17,000 SPAMALOT bear signed by CLAY AIKEN AND DAVID HYDE PIERCE

At the annual BROADWAY BEARS fundraiser, the Spamalot bear (image from Playbill.com) autographed by CLAY AIKEN and DAVID HYDE PIERCE fetched the most money ($17,000) last Feb. 17 at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on West 42nd Street. Broadway Bears is an annual auction featuring one-of-a-kind teddy bears outfitted in original, handmade costumes created by Broadway’s leading costume designers and representing memorable Broadway show characters. The Sir Robin bear was created by Brionna McMahon, and the original designer is Tim Hatley. The auction benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and involved the live audience up against the telephone bidders. Broadway Bears XI was hosted by Bryan Batt and earned a total of $127,000 for the charitable organization. To know more about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, visit their website at this link www.broadwaycares.org or call (212) 840-0770.

Starring as Sir Robin in the Broadway musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT, Mr. Aiken continues to draw big crowds at the stagedoor of the Shubert Theatre as shown in the photo above taken last February 15.

@ the stagedoor: CLAY AIKEN, star of Monty Python's Spamalot on Broadway

 

Youtube video by Yollie950

Joining the list of American Idol alumni who become celebrated Broadway performers is recording-artist, CLAY AIKEN. He made his Broadway debut as Sir Robin (among others) in Monty Python's SPAMALOT at the Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street). He will be with the production through May 4, 2008. I made pictures of Mr. Aiken signing autographs for enthusiastic Idol-worshipping Claymates at the stagedoor of the Shubert Theatre after this evening's performance. 

Directed by Mike Nichols, who won his eighth Tony Award for his direction of the new musical, Monty Python's Spamalot has a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons' best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The music is by Eric Idle and John DuPrez. The show was choreographed by Casey Nicholaw while sets and costumes were created by multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley. Hugh Vanstone is the lighting designer.

Clay Aiken, probably one of the few successful American Idol contestants, has sold more than 6 million albums, co-wrote a best-selling book, and, played six sold-out concert tours. He gained fame when he won second-place in the second season of the hit FOX television reality show "American Idol."

Winning more awards than any other show in the 2005 Broadway Season, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Cast Recording, Spamalot has set box office records since opening on Broadway to critical acclaim in March, 2005 at the flagship Shubert Theatre.