Spam, coconuts and Guinness - an interesting recipe?

Ok, maybe that header is a little misleading ... this comes from a press release sent by the press agent for the blockbuster musical SPAMALOT, based on the cult favorite of high school and college aged guys and the gaming geeks they hang out with worldwide - Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

"Monty Python's SPAMALOT celebrated their first anniversary on Broadway by setting the Guinness World Record for "World's Largest Coconut Orchestra" today when it was announced that 1,789 people had gathered in New York City's Shubert Alley to join in a special rendition of 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.'

SPAMALOT cast members including Tony Award nominees Christopher Sieber and Michael McGrath "conducted" the crowd that braved the cold to participate.

Guinness World Record Official Stuart Claxton was on hand to certify the event and announced that the world record had been set."

"Directed by Mike Nichols, SPAMALOT features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, music by John Du Prez and 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.

SPAMALOT won three 2005 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and Best Director for Mike Nichols, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Album.

The National Tour recently opened to rave reviews and sold out houses in Boston. Other cities on the tour include Chicago, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Houston, Kansas City, and Toronto."

And hey, they'll be coming soon to Tampa. I wonder if they trebuchet that cow into the audience or hack up the Black Knight live on stage? Probably just wishful thinking on my part.

- David J.