ERIC IDLE - IDLE PENS LIFE OF BRIAN MESSIAH ORATORIO

IDLE PENS LIFE OF BRIAN MESSIAH ORATORIO

Funnyman ERIC IDLE is bringing MONTY PYTHON's cult movie LIFE OF BRIAN to the classical stage in Canada this summer (06) after turning comedy THE HOLY GRAIL into a Broadway hit. The actor/singer was the brains behind Grail revamp SPAMALOT and now he has teamed up with JOHN DuPREZ to pen NOT THE MESSIAH (HE'S A VERY NAUGHTY BOY) - a famous TERRY JONES line from the hit 1979 film. Dubbed "a light-hearted oratorio", the piece will premiere in Toronto this June (06). Idle says, "I promise it will be funnier than (THE MESSIAH composer) HANDEL, although probably not as good." The work was commissioned by the TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, whose musical director is Idle's cousin PETER OUNDJIAN. Meanwhile, Spamalot continues its smash run on Broadway, and also plays on a US tour and on London's West End. A Las Vegas production will open in March (07).