Tony loves Spam
Python musical tops Broadway awards
Monty Python’s has topped the shortlists for Broadway's most prestigious awards, the Tonys.
The musical based on the 1975 Holy Grail film received 14 nominations, three more than nearest rivals Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Light In The Piazza.
It’s up for best musical, best book (by Eric Idle) and best score, among others; while stars Hank Azaria and Tim Curry are up for best leading actor. But co-star David Hyde Pierce, best known for playing Niles in Frasier, missed out.
The musical received mixed reactions when it opened, but has been faring well in the awards stakes. It won four Outer Critics Circle awards at the weekend, and has been nominated for 12 Drama Desk accolades; again more than any other show.
However former Python Terry Jones, who went to first night with all his former colleagues has slammed the production as “utterly pointless”, adding: “I hope that isn't what Holy Grail looked like on screen.”
Also nominated for Tonys – which will be handed out on June 5 – are comedians Dame Edna Everage, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Mario Cantone. All are shortlisted for best special theatrical event for their solo Broadway shows.
Published: 11 May 2005
