Idle Reteams with DuPrez for Life of Brian-Based Oratorio

Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) - a "light-hearted oratorio" by Monty Python star and Spamalot co-creator Eric Idle - will premiere in Toronto this June. 

It will be performed with a narrator, the TSO, guest soloists and choir in Roy Thomson Hall from June 1-4, 2007.

The work, inspired by the 1979 Monty Python film The Life of Brian, will be presented as part of the city's inaugural Luminato Festival of the Arts.  Spamalot's John DuPrez has reteamed with Idle to write Not the Messiah.   "I promise it will be funnier than Handel, although probably not as good," said Idle in a Variety article.

The work was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (its music director Peter Oundjian is Idle's cousin).

"Luminato is Toronto's pre-eminent cultural festival, linking the world of art and the creative spirit with every aspect of Canada's largest city, the most ethnically diverse on earth. Transformational, thoughtful and accessible, Luminato facilitates and encourages artistic exchange between organizations, communities, individuals and audiences alike.  Luminato's inaugural festival takes place from June 1st – June 10th, 2007 in communities and venues Toronto-wide," according to the organization's website.

Idle's other writing credits include Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Monty Python and the Holy Grail (upon which Spamalot is based) and Splittling Heirs. He has also acted in many films.

Spamalot continues its smash run on Broadway, and also plays on national tour and in London.  A Las Vegas production will open in March.

Visit www.luminato.ca for more on the Luminato Festival.

Photo of Eric Idle by Retna Ltd.