Jonathan Bennett’s Broadway Dream: Stepping into Spamalot as Sir Robin

Jonathan Bennett, widely recognized for his iconic role as Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls, is making a highly anticipated leap into the world of live theatre. On January 23rd, Bennett officially made his Broadway debut, taking the stage in the critically acclaimed revival of Spamalot. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the actor’s career, fulfilling a lifelong dream he has harbored since childhood. Bennett steps into the hilarious and memorable role of Sir Robin, the “Knight Who Doesn’t Quite Have the Courage of Sir Lancelot,” promising audiences an unforgettable performance. In an exclusive interview, Bennett shared his exhilaration, the unique challenges of joining a Broadway production mid-run, and the sheer joy of achieving this personal and professional milestone in Camelot.

For Bennett, the opportunity to perform on Broadway is nothing short of a fairy tale come true. “I’ve wanted to be on Broadway since I was 5 years old,” Bennett revealed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “And the fact that I get to walk into the hottest musical comedy on Broadway right now and step into one of the most iconic roles conceived by Monty Python and the legendary Eric Idle and that whole incredible team, it’s just absolutely a dream come true.” The actor, known for his charismatic screen presence, expressed a profound sense of gratitude and disbelief at his current reality. “I never in a million years thought I would actually get to be on Broadway, and now here I am getting to live out my dream. It’s absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me other than my husband,” he added, highlighting the profound personal significance of this career move. This sentiment underscores the deep emotional connection Bennett has with live performance and the realization of a childhood ambition that few get to experience.

The 2023 revival of Spamalot premiered to rave reviews in the fall, featuring Michael Urie as the initial Sir Robin. Bennett’s entry into the production meant taking on a demanding role mid-run, a challenge he likened to “a rocket ship just barreling towards the sun.” He vividly described the intensity of the process: “They’re like, okay, you’re going to jump on and hold on tight as it comes by, so you just jump on and hold on for dear life.” This analogy perfectly captures the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of integrating into an established Broadway show. Despite the daunting task, Bennett credits the exceptional creative team and rehearsal staff for guiding him through. “The team that has been putting me through the rehearsal process, the creatives, are just the best of the best. I had to learn to just trust the process. They know what they’re doing. They know how to put you in a show. And by golly, they did it,” he affirmed. This rigorous training involved mastering complex blocking, intricate choreography, and an extensive musical score, all while developing his unique interpretation of Sir Robin.

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As his debut performance neared, Bennett shared a mix of emotions that resonate with any performer facing a grand stage. “I feel very confident starting the show. I’m excited, but I’m also nervous, but it’s a good nervous,” he elaborated. This “good nervous” energy is a common thread for actors channeling anticipation into peak performance. The journey to the stage was described as a “really crazy process,” especially given the uncertainty of joining a dynamic Broadway environment without prior experience in this specific type of live production. He recounted the intense learning curve: “You step into something that you have no idea how the rehearsal process is going to be. You get there and you start working it and finding the character and learning all the blocking and the choreography and the songs… there’s so much to it that I can’t believe that these people do this 8 nights a week, and I’m about to be one of those people.” This profound appreciation for the dedication of Broadway performers underscores the immense physical, mental, and emotional stamina required to maintain such a demanding schedule.

Sir Robin, the character Bennett portrays, is famously known as the “knight that is afraid to fight” from Monty Python’s Spamalot. Bennett expressed his delight in bringing this comedic role to life, calling it “such a fun character to play.” Sir Robin’s internal conflict forms a core part of his charm and humor; he envisions knighthood as a glamorous life of “dressing up and going to parties and dancing.” However, when confronted with the brutal reality of the battlefield in Camelot, his expectations are hilariously shattered, throwing him “for a loop.” This comedic dissonance allows for rich character exploration and plenty of laughs, a perfect fit for Bennett’s comedic timing and stage presence. The character’s journey from naive idealism to reluctant heroism offers a relatable and entertaining narrative arc within the larger comedic framework of the musical.

Bennett also acknowledged the path paved by his predecessor, Michael Urie, who “did a fantastic job of creating this character for this production.” Approaching Sir Robin, Bennett found joy in building upon Urie’s foundation. “It’s been fun to play inside of Michael Urie’s scaffolding that he’s leaving and be able to create my own part and my own character, my own version of Sir Robin,” he explained. This concept of “scaffolding” is crucial in Broadway, allowing new actors to inherit established roles while injecting their unique personality and interpretation. Bennett highlighted the balance required: “I found some really fun differences and some things that are also the same. It’s kind of riding the line of you want to make sure you stay within the scaffolding that was created for this production but also throw your own twist.” He revealed a key distinction in his portrayal: “I think my Robin is a little more eager and a little less bright.” This subtle yet significant shift promises a fresh take on the beloved character, ensuring that while the spirit of Sir Robin remains, Bennett’s individual comedic genius shines through.

Having spent years honing his craft in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films and television shows, Bennett firmly declared that Broadway is “a totally different ballgame.” He candidly compared the two mediums: “I mean, TV and film is hard work, but it doesn’t even come close to what you have to do to do a show like Spamalot. It’s a completely different universe.” The sustained, unyielding nature of live theatre, with its relentless schedule and absence of second takes, presents a unique set of demands. “It’s the most emotional, physical, and mentally challenging thing I’ve ever done in my entire life,” Bennett asserted. In film and television, actors benefit from breaks between scenes, the comfort of trailers, and the ability to reshoot. On Broadway, however, once the curtain rises, the performer must be “on” for the entire duration of the show, delivering a flawless performance night after night.

Interestingly, Bennett’s extensive experience as a host for shows like Halloween Wars and the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop proved to be invaluable preparation for his Broadway debut. He noted that hosting “prepared me for this role” because “you’re out there, you’re live, you have to think on your feet, and you have to be on the whole time.” These skills—quick thinking, sustained energy, and direct engagement with an audience—are directly transferable to the demands of live stage performance. Unlike the segmented nature of film production, hosting demands continuous presence and adaptability, mirroring the non-stop flow of a musical. “When you’re actually in a movie, you get breaks in between. You get to go to your trailer. With this, once the rocket ship takes off, you have to be on the rocket ship going in the same direction everyone else is,” Bennett explained. This continuous engagement, combined with the need for immediate reactions, has profoundly shaped his stage presence. “I think hosting has really helped me hone my ability to be able to step into this mega-musical and be on stage with these extremely talented people,” he concluded, highlighting the often-underestimated parallels between hosting and theatrical performance.

Even before his official debut, Bennett was already looking ahead, certain that this wouldn’t be his last appearance on a Broadway stage. “I’ve been bitten by the Broadway bug,” the actor enthusiastically declared. This infectious passion for live theatre, once experienced, often hooks performers for life. “I’ve been wanting to scratch this itch of wanting to be on Broadway my entire life. And now that I’m here, I’ve been bitten by the Broadway bug and I want to keep doing more,” he confessed. Bennett already has a list of dream roles he hopes to tackle in the future, showcasing his versatility and comedic preferences. “I mean, I would love to be in Chicago. I’d love to play Billy Flynn and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. I’d love to be Corny Collins in Hairspray.” These choices reveal a clear affinity for characters who possess a certain “cheeky” charm and an “extra” theatricality, perfectly aligning with Bennett’s vibrant personality. From the suave lawyer Billy Flynn to the endearing, plant-obsessed Seymour, and the charismatic TV host Corny Collins, these iconic musical roles would undoubtedly allow Bennett to further showcase his comedic talent, vocal prowess, and undeniable stage presence, solidifying his place as a versatile Broadway star. His journey from a childhood dream to a Broadway reality is a testament to his dedication and a thrilling new chapter for both him and his fans.