Azaria Returns to Spamalot December 2; Pierce Extends

Fans of the original leading men of Monty Python’s Spamalot will have a brief chance to see the threesome reunited in the Broadway production. Hank Azaria, who has been on leave from the musical to film his Emmy-winning Showtime series Huff, will return for a five-month stay beginning December 2. (Alan Tudyk has been playing Azaria’s roles in his absence.)

The return of Azaria will occur just 16 days before Tim Curry departs the show; as previously reported, Curry will be replaced in the role of King Arthur on December 20 by the great British actor Simon Russell Beale. Meanwhile, fans of David Hyde Pierce, who plays Sir Robin in Spamalot, will be pleased to learn that he has extended his contract until April 2006. There is no word yet as to whether their Tony Award-winning co-star Sara Ramirez will appear past December 18, when her contract expires.

Spamalot has been doing SRO business since it began performances on February 14. Last week, the show played at 102% capacity and grossed $1,071,021.35 — its best take ever. The production won three 2005 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols).