Eric Idle joins cast of ‘Spamalot’ at Hollywood Bowl

Eric Idle, who penned the hit musical comedy “Monty Python’s Spamalot” that debuted on Broadway 10 years ago, will join the cast of the Tony Award-winning show when it is staged at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.

The Monty Python veteran will be joined on stage by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Craig Robinson, Merle Dandridge and Warwick Davis. The Bowl’s production is scheduled to run for three performances from July 31 to Aug. 2.

Idle will play the role of the Historian, a kind of narrator who sets the musical’s plot into motion. (The funnyman wasn’t part of the original Broadway cast.)

Monty Python has had a long association with the Hollywood Bowl. More than three decades ago, the beloved British comedy team appeared at the Bowl in a sketch comedy show that was recorded and eventually released as a movie.

Robinson -- of “The Office” and “Hot Tub Time Machine” -- will play King Arthur, a role originated in New York by Tim Curry. Ferguson will play Sir Robin, a role played on Broadway by David Hyde Pierce.

Dandridge, who appeared in “Spamalot” when it came to the Ahmanson Theatre in 2009, will reprise her role as the Lady of the Lake. Davis -- best known for his screen roles as the Ewok Wicket in “Return of the Jedi” and the title character in “Willow” -- will play the part of Patsy.

“Spamalot,” which is inspired by the movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” will be directed by BT McNicholl. It was directed on Broadway by the late Mike Nichols.

The musical was a critical and box-office success in New York and ran for four years. A national touring production came to the Ahmanson, and the show has also been seen at the Pantages in Hollywood.

In a prepared statement, Idle said that he is “proud to join a hand-picked cast of seriously funny people for three nights of fun at my favorite venue: The Bollywood Hole.”

Last year’s Bowl musical production was “Hair,” starring Kristen Bell, Hunter Parrish and Benjamin Walker.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT