The Quest for Health

By Editorial Staff

The year 1969 will forever be remembered as the year a person first walked on the moon. But that same year, "Monty Python's Flying Circus" made its debut on BBC television in the United Kingdom. The irreverently funny show lasted four seasons, a total of 45 episodes.

In addition to the television program, several motion pictures were produced by the Pythons. Their first, "And Now for Something Completely Different," opened in 1971. The second, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," opened four years later. Even with an extremely low budget (a mere $400,000), the satirical look at King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table was an instant success.

"Spamalot" is presented as a musical "lovingly ripped off from" the Holy Grail movie. The stage show opened on Broadway and is currently playing in New York City, London, Las Vegas and on tour in the United States.

Monty Python's "Spamalot," the deliriously funny live spectacle, is playing in the Grail Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. Photo includes Nikki Crawford and cast. Photo credit: Carol Rosegg. Starring in one of the leading roles, the Lady of the Lake, is actress Nikki Crawford. How does she meet the constant physical and emotional demands of performing? As Nikki explains in this exclusive interview with To Your Health, her blueprint for success involves focus, perseverance, and wellness strategies such as exercise, diet and regular chiropractic care.

Can you tell us about the story of "Spamalot"? It is basically the story of King Arthur and his knights - Sir Gallahad, Sir Lancelot and a few others - and their quest to find the Holy Grail. At the end, he finds the grail and marries my character, the Lady of the Lake.

"Spamalot" opened March 8, 2007 at Wynn Las Vegas. The production stars John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld," "Family Feud"), Nikki Crawford and a distinguished cast. Photo credit: Carol Rosegg. Tell us a bit about the Lady of the Lake and her role in the original Monty Python movie. The Lady of the Lake is a mythical character. In most stories, she gives King Arthur the Excalibur - the magical sword. I'm there to serve King Arthur and to put him in the right direction of finding the grail. I also get to sing some great songs.

What are some of the songs you sing? I sing a parody of "Phantom," a duet called "The Song That Goes Like This," which is a hilarious song I sing with Sir Gallahad. I have another great tune called "Whatever Happened to My Part" because I've been offstage for awhile. I sing to the audience that I've been offstage for awhile and ask, "Why is that?"

My character is constantly breaking the fourth wall between the actors and the audience. I have a fabulous gospel number called "The Holy Grail."