ldyjocelyn

Yes, I'm able to go see Clay when I want to now, but what I wouldn't give to not go to concerts because the reason for not going still existed.

*sob*

Thank you ncgran4clay for giving me a good reality check.

I didn't get to talk to my husband about the whole thing last night -- he came home and I could tell it had been a BAD day at work, and I think if I had brought it up right then and there, you would have heard the screaming in Timbuktu. I'm not giving up total hope yet on going, but I'm also feeling much better because I truly do love my husband....

I forgot to thank kareneh (heh) for those two gorgeous pictures. That profile one is outstanding....

ArtyAna at the CH found this about seating at the Shubert Theater:

Help Me Choose My Seats ™

The Shubert Theatre has a similar seating arrangement as most theatres. The Orchestra section consists of right, left, and center sections. This theater also has Mezzanine and Balcony sections.

The best seats in the house, as with any theater, are going to be Center Orchestra. This section is 14 seats across. The rows begin with AA and goes through T. There are a lot of things happening on the stage so sitting in the first couple of rows may make it a little difficult to see everything. The ideal place to sit would be about 5 rows back in the center section. In the center Orchestra, you will find yourself in the middle of all the action. With an incredible up-close view of the actors. Right and left Orchestra off of the aisles will also be a good seat, but seats farther away from center may leave you with a slightly obstructed view.

For the production Spamalot, there is a castle center stage where much of the action takes place, but there is also dialog on either side of the castle making a far left or right Orchsetra seat a "Partial View". While you will not see the entire stage from these seats, a partial view ticket will also come with break in the price. All partial view seats for sale on our site will be clearly labeled.

The Mezzanine section is also separated into right, left, and center and are labeled rows A - K. The Mezzanine overhangs row L of the Orchestra. Seats in the first few rows in the center are considered very good with an incredible view of the entire stage. There are two steps between each row which means that the further back that you sit, the higher you sit as well. The Mezzanine and Balcony sections are only accessible by stairs. There are no elevators at the Shubert Theater, so those who have trouble with stairs may want to find seats in the Orchestra.

The Balcony is located directly above row C of the Mezzanine. It is separated in right, left, and center and is labeled rows A–J. If you would like to sit in the Balcony a seat in the first few rows will give you the best view of the stage.

There really isn’t a bad seat at the Shubert Theatre. With a seating capacity of 1521 it is relatively small so the production feels very intimate.

From the front page of the OFC:

10/17/07 : Important Information Regarding Year 2 Membership Signups

By Team Clay

As the relaunch of ClayOnline.com and Year 3 renewals are coming up quick, we are unfortunately no longer accepting Year 2 membership signups. All Year 2 memberships will remain valid until renewals are made available or until your 12 month membership expires. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Stay tuned to the news for updates regarding Year 3 and all the new features that will come along with it!

____

EEEEEEEEEEE for luckiest1 and goldarngirl! Can't wait to download those!

Welcome ausdon!!! Thank you for the compliment on the board -- we do try to keep it "real" but with a sense of humor, so it's nice that someone notices these things.

And....*coughcough*....another "fresh meat" fan! I love hearing stories about people discovering Clay after many of us have been around awhile. It keeps the perspective fresh for us "old fogies!" Anyway, glad you found us!

Very cool on the timing of your trip as well -- fantastic!

Cotton and Amazed in nj -- doesn't work like that story for me at all. First of all -- no kids, so no one to come to me later and tell me what great memories they have. Also -- this is one of those things that it's a great memory for ME, and it's great to be selfish sometimes. But you know, great memories can also be made together with my husband, and that can include working on our money pit of a house. There's memories attached to almost everything in life, including fixing up a house.

Thanks CG and others who have told me to not give up hope. I'm not at this point -- the end of Clay's run is over 6 months from now. That's a LONG time, in a way, and plenty of time for something to develop for me to gain some extra money. It's just kind of hard when everyone around you is squeeing and eeeeing over their tickets NOW.

And yes, I know I'm being a bit whiny. It's PMS time, work is sucking (two meetings coming up this week, neither of which I'm looking forward to), and then this happens.

I'd ask, what's the difference between needing to go to Disney World and wanting to? And that Disney World will be there year after year - this is only gonna happen once.

I guess the difference would be BOTH of them wants the Disney World trip. I know how iffy this whole thing is with hubby's cos sometimes it feels lie we are prioritizing Clay over them. I only discovered recently that my hubby did harbor some resentment about my CA trip because it seem like for a few months all I could think about was this one trip. He is over it now...and I understand where he is coming from that is why I have to handle this one differently IF I am able to go.

Thanks Ansa for answering the question while I was away for a few hours. That's pretty much it in a nutshell -- we both really want to do Disney World (my husband has NEVER been there, and it's been 15 years for me), while NYC would be pretty much a "me" trip. I think my husband would be great with going to NYC, if there wasn't a Clay aspect involved. This is really the first time he's shown any sort of jealousy toward my Clay stuff, and I love my husband way too much to want him to feel that way.

I'll be fine. And when he gets home this evening, we'll talk about it. I'm not giving up hope yet.

*prays that I get a winning lottery ticket in the next few weeks*

zena, your rant is RIGHT ON!!!!!! MUAH!!

Can I just follow Jenna around and say "WORD" every few minutes or so? Fantastic post.

Meanwhile....

...I mentioned to my husband again today that I'd really like to go to NYC to see the play. Now, my husband has been extremely tolerant toward my Clay love, and I try my best to keep my spending in check and to not go "too" overboard (2 concerts instead of 10, for example -- and yes, I've told him that I know people who've seen Clay way more than I have). But today, I get an email back from him....there's lots of things that we've talked about doing to our house, and the list keeps getting bigger. Plus, we are serious about taking a long vacation in November 2008 to Disney World (another "not cheap" vacation). So, needless to say, he's trying to convince me to save money and not go. Thing is, I think he's RIGHT -- I don't NEED to see Clay, but I really, really WANT to see Clay. Big difference there. And some of the house things could come back to haunt us big time if they aren't done soon (such as a roof).

I'm bummed, really bummed. I don't know what to do.

I couldn't be more happier for Clay. What great news. This will be a great career move for him. The stage is what he truly loves, I believe. Entertaining, beyond just singing. As evidenced by all his Hometown Connection shows. This musical is perfect for him. Just perfect.

You know, Clayzorback, I was nodding my head when I read this and then I stopped and muttered, 'Oh-oh'...because I can just imagine the furor among some at the suggestion that what Clay truly loves is anything other than becoming a ROCK.STAR.AMONG.NO.PEERS!

You know, I had that thought a few times yesterday myself. Great minds think alike and all, right?

But I think Clay was VERY clear in his blog that this turn in his path is just that---a turn born of opportunity and natural curiosity and confidence in his talents. People who are set on turning this into some declaration of intent never to release another CD or never tour again to sing or NEVER to write another song? Well, I honestly don't understand where that's coming from. He addressed all that stuff, leaving no doubt (at least in my simple mind) that he's "letting God (and Mike Nichols--heh) and letting go"...

Just like he has repeatedly said he tries to do.

I think it's gotta be because THEY themselves can't "let go and let God/Goddess/Deity of Choice." I'm going to guess that there's a LOT of control issues in their lives, and to them, Clay is "biddable to their whims." (Wouldn't he like to know what my whim would be? ) In the meantime, though -- I personally don't try to control everything around me at all times. Can't do it, it won't happen...so I frequently relax and let things happen. (Of course, all bets are off when trying to plan a trip to NYC....heh.) I just don't think some can do that.

In any case, though, he remains Clay. I never doubt that. And let me tell you, that's good enough for me.

Amen, sistah!

I did. Apparently the same actor who plays Robin usually plays Brother Maynard and a guard, as well. They aren't main parts but both do have some funny lines (and different costumes). I noticed last night that by the end of the play, Sir Robin is dressed in a white top hat and tails.

Which means that he'll be furiously undressing backstage, and women in the audience will be hoping/praying that they can find a way to sneak a peak backstage.

I am hoping this will give him an award and some recognition. Jumpstart his career again and perhaps make radio more receptive of him.

Clayzor, I'd love to be able to agree with you about this, but I can't. I think radio may end up now thinking of him, truly, as a Broadway person, and will be even more closed. To me, it TOTALLY depends on the songs for the next album, not his talent whether he gets on the radio (unfortunately, IMO).

No making stuff up on the fly as he goes along.

But a lot of what I've read this past 24 hours has suggested that there's more "openess" for improv in this show than there is in any other show on Broadway at the moment. It's not saying that he can forget lyrics and such, but I think he'll be really good at taking a "mess that mess up" situation and turning it into gold.

playbiller, I'm thinking he'll make many media rounds in the beginning of January to publicize this. And yes, I'm expecting more than a few reviews of his first night. *crosses fingers that he does well*

Kareneh, fantastic question! I'm glad I was there to see it.

*investigates putting on admin hat to change her display name*

The question I WISH would have been asked (not demanded, just wished): So, did the arm hair thing have to do with Spamalot? If so -- why?

And I certainly think that MY boyfriend is the bestest ever! Cutest one too!

*investigates latest cloning techniques*

According to Clay in the chat, he's gonna wear during Spamalot whateer the producers give him, but there may be a "variation on tights" for his costume.

I don't know what to think.

YAY for all who got good seats today. I'll get mine eventually!

ETA: the chat at the OFC is over. They had over 600 people in there at one point.

Clay is in chat at OFC

and the word is out...

Uh, yeah -- almost 500 users in chat right now....

Hope they save the transcript (and then someone posts a link to it here)....

Anybody besides me hoping that Clay will appear on The Daily Show to promote his appearance in Spamalot?

Great post aikim -- and WOOHOO for Clay quoting you!

But then, I have to ask....are there people who aren't happy with the news from today? I've not seen any, but then, I usually stay in a pretty small world, ie., here.

But you know what bottlecap? This thread is DEAD!!!

NEW THREAD!!!!

My only question regarding Clay in Spamalot: will there be cellcerts?

My 10th wedding anniversary is April 18 (a Friday night) so that's what I told my husband I'd like to do for that weekend. I'm going to be good only probably go to one show. Does that make me a bad fan? Probably!

Meanwhile, I'm doing the thread title poll now....See the top of the page....

Variety

Clay Aiken Heads to Broadway

Clay Aiken heads to Broadway

'Idol' alum steps into 'Spamalot'

By GORDON COX

Claymates, rejoice: "American Idol" alum Clay Aiken heads for Broadway this spring, stepping into a role in the Rialto production of "Monty Python's Spamalot."

Aiken, who placed second in the second season of "Idol," will play Sir Robin, the part originated by David Hyde Pierce.

"Idol" vets have shown up on Broadway with increasing regularity. Fantasia Barrino, currently starring in "The Color Purple," gave that tuner a major box office boost and won critical praise when she took over the lead role in April. Tamyra Gray appears through Nov. 25 in "Rent" (in which Frenchie Davis also has appeared), and Diana DeGarmo has done stints in "Hairspray."

Aiken, whose fan base has been the subject of a short-lived Off Broadway musical, has a loyal following similar to Barrino's -- although whether Aiken acolytes and Monty Python enthusiasts overlap to the extent that fans of Barrino and "The Color Purple" do remains to be seen.

Aiken's limited engagement in "Spamalot" runs Jan. 18-May 4.

PRNewsWire

Clay Aiken joins Monty Python's SPAMALOT, The Funniest Show on Earth

January 18 - May 4, 2008 on Broadway

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Clay Aiken, who became a music

superstar following his success on the American Idol television series,

will join the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT,

making his Broadway debut in the role of Sir Robin, at the Shubert Theatre,

New York, from January 18 to May 4, 2008.

Tickets are available online now at telecharge.com or by calling (212)

239-6200/(800) 432-7250.

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.

Clay Aiken, who has sold more than 6 million albums; co-authored a

best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said "I really

couldn't have asked for a more wonderful group of people to work with.

Let's not lie, the chance to work with legendary creative minds like Mike

Nichols and Eric Idle is, on its own, a reason to jump at this opportunity.

But, that's not all. The producers and creative folks I have had the chance

to meet and work with so far have been unbelievably welcoming and

wonderful. They've really made me feel at home already, and I haven't even

started yet!"

Director Mike Nichols said: "Clay Aiken is amazing beyond that glorious

voice. Turns out he is an excellent comic actor and a master of character.

People will be surprised by his wide ranging talent, since the first

impression is of great country charm and a singer to remember. This guy is

not only a star, he is a lot more. We are lucky to get him for SPAMALOT."

SPAMALOT author and original Python Eric Idle commented: "This is great

news. I have been a Clay Aiken fan ever since I took my daughter to see him

live on the second season of American Idol and she held up a big sign of

his name. Maybe now it should read 'American Idle.'"

Other members of the SPAMALOT creative team include Casey Nicholaw

(choreography), multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and

costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners.

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.

Monty Python's SPAMALOT celebrates one year in London's West End at the

Palace Theatre this week. SPAMALOT is also on National Tour around the US

and is playing at Wynn Las Vegas. An Australian production will open in

November in Melbourne.

Monty Python's SPAMALOT is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The

Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence

Horowitz, Elan V. McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Presenters

Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment and

Live Nation.

For more information on SPAMALOT, please visit

http://www.montypythonsspamalot.com.

Broadway.com has included a bit of Clay's blog in their coverage of the story. They also used an AMA picture...EEEEEE!

Possible thread title: Clay Aiken in Spamalot on Broadway -- We're There!

One more possibility, thanks to Mike Nichols: This guy is not only a star, he is a lot more

Hey -- this might give us some more thread title options! We only have 4 this time!!! Any suggestions?

I'll put up the poll later today -- say, at 4:00 EDT....

Meanwhile....

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! I can't stop smiling about this news! And yes, I think we should huddle together and get an FCA gathering out of this!

It's Official -- on the front page of the OFC for members only!!!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Off to bribe husband....

YSRN, I love you. As I said, I hope that just one person at that church may see things differently. It may be naive of me to think like that (it wouldn't be the first time I've been told that), but IMO, I've got to keep a glimmer of hope.

Welcome back Karen Eh? and good luck to you and your husband in the next few months as you transition to a new life!

He's starts the show singing Christmas Waltz and finishes with What Are You Doing New Year's Eve.

I.CAN.NOT.WAIT!

EEEEEEEEEE!!!! NOW I'm pumped about this show. I think WAYDNYE is my most favorite song of Clay's EVAH! The first time I heard the song, I was in my car, and I almost had an accident because I was floored by the whole thing. I'm so glad that songs on the Crooner's CD. Anyway, I'm jellus of you people going to the skating show -- it sounds like a blast!

See, I don't get where he could stand to lose a few pounds - he doesn't look particular fit - but he really does look on the lower end of an acceptable weight range for his height. For a 6' 1" guy with a medium frame anything from 151-182 is good according to Weight Watchers. If he weighed 160 at his chunkiest I'd be shocked. I tend to really like how Clay doesn't seem to really worry about his hair or poochy tummy or pasty skin or occasionally nonexistant eyebrows. I think he has enough food issues with the allergies - I'd hate to see him get all male modelish about his lack of a six pack.

Amen. As women, IMO, there's a bit of a double standard -- it's not cool to be bulimic, and it's not cool to be overweight either, and I think that standard is (hopefully) starting to change. And yet, many also want their men ripped and looking good at every moment of every day. I'm glad Clay doesn't fall into any mindset like that.

Did anyone else get a notification from Clique in their inbox? Sounds like Oct. 30th has now been chosen as our final OFC renewal deadline. So hopefully that means site changes and new stuff are in the works, finally!

Got mine this morning. Can't wait to see what is next up.

I added some information about the St. Louis show in the correct concert thread. The OFC presale is tomorrow -- love the password. *g*

To me the problem is that they are using these things to justify bringing him there. I think that's idiotic.

This, I totally agree with. While he's not a major party hardy guy who is all over the map with his escapades -- he's also not a saint either. This place shouldn't have to have justify him being there period. Unfortunately, it happens all the time.

Finally, I saw this on Yahoo this morning, and thought it quite interesting. Their study may not be using a huge number of people, but I think many of us can add our own experiences with this:

Gossip Trumps Truth

People are influenced by gossip about others, even when it contradicts what they see with their own eyes, suggests a new study.

Past research has found that gossip—those juicy tidbits of supposed fact we share about a third party—serves many purposes, including strengthening social ties, spreading social norms and helping others avoid double-crossers and other risky partners.

Hearsay can be the most reliable source of information about situations with which you have no experience. But when you hear gossip that's incongruent with a person or incident you are familiar with, you'd be smart to throw that chitchat out the window in favor of your own direct knowledge, right?

The new study, published this week online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals individuals sometimes place so much stock in gossip that they accept it as true even if their own observations and experiences suggest otherwise.

Clay's show is now up at the Fox Theater's website here.

Clay Aiken

Christmas In The Heartland

Evening with the Fox Theatre Orchestra

November 27, 2007 at 8:00 PM

Clay Aiken is an American pop singer who began his rise to fame on the second season of FOX TV’s American Idol in 2003. Based on album sales, Aiken has become the most successful male and the most successful second-place finisher in the show’s history. In the years following American Idol, Aiken has launched seven tours, authored a New York Times best-selling book “Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life” with Allison Glock and was the executive producer for a 2004 televised Christmas special – A Clay Aiken Christmas.

Aiken’s first solo album, Measure of a Man, was released in 2003 and debuted at #1 on the

Billboard 200 and was the highest-selling debut for a solo artist in 10 years. He released Merry

Christmas with Love in 2004, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and tied Céline Dion’s

record for the highest debut by a holiday album in the history of Billboard magazine. September of 2006 brought the release of Aiken’s third album A Thousand Different Ways which debuted at #2 on the Billboard chart – making Aiken the fourth artist ever to have his first three albums debut in the Top 5 and scan over 200,000 in the first week.

Everyone must have a ticket, regardless of age.

Tickets are $60 and $45 dollars.

The OFC presale begins Wednesday, October 17 at 10:00 a.m. CDT. Sales for the general public begin Saturday, October 20 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Dane Cook

Click on the link for videos, and then find the one for MLB at the left hand side of the screen. Is that what you guys are looking for?

*dusts off librarian skills once again*

Uncle!!!!!

I kept telling myself that I need another Clay message board to post at like a hole in the head.

I told myself that it was enough that I had found the message board and with it some of my favorite cyber-friends that I thought didn't post anymore.

I told myself it was enought to just read and laugh. Yup. That's what I said.

But then.....

Someone quoted Inigo Montoya (from The Princess Bride)

Someone else actually knows who Christine Lavin is!!!

Then someone else noted that they are following the same crazy CITH pattern that I am....Waukegan, Kalamazoo, D.C.

I give up. I don't post enough to worry about one more board anyway.

EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! Perma's in the house!!!! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Need to reposted this on a new page...

Totally agree! He looks so....so....content and happy on that stage with the kids. *sigh*

As a friend said to me, how can you lust after a man whose belly sticks out further than his.... um, his Waldo!

But with Clay, his stomach would have to get AWFULLY big, wouldn't it?

As much as I agree with you CG about him being in a position of "image," I also think it is rather unfortunate that it is like that, that he can't just be a "normal weight guy" who happens to have a fantastic voice and a killer personality.

How can Clay go to a venue you like this???? How can Jesse???? How can anyone - Clay, the fans, anyone - support in any way a venue which is so intolerant and bigoted????

By showing people that are members of this church that people who are gay can also be talented; that people who are way talented can have gay friends and gay coworkers; and by showing love to those people....to all people. Yeah, it's a hard thing to do, and I don't like their "politics" either -- but Clay seems to "show rather than do" in his life, and by his example, maybe a few of those members of that church will understand and learn. One person at a time....

Or, I could just quote couchie....

I have always looked at Clay as a decent guy who tries. That's all any of us can do.

BTW, I'm one of 39 cousins on my Dad's side. We're not close, per se, but in my mind, we're FAMILY. "Cousins" = "family" = "off limits." EVEN if it is by marriage. And like CG and KAndre[/] said, I think if he didn't consider her family, he'd introduce her simply as his hairdresser.