Behind the scenes at 'Spamalot'

VIP tour gives fans first-hand look at how the show works

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a major Las Vegas stage production?

See what happens backstage with the new "Secrets of the Grail" tour for "Monty Python's Spamalot" playing at Wynn Las Vegas and explore production rooms, learn about the coconut graveyard, the evolution and casting of the play, and see more than 107 wigs and countless extravagant props and costumes.

The exclusive VIP package includes tickets to the show with premium seating and a souvenir chalice, along with a 45-minute backstage tour led by a cast member. The tour takes patrons to every level of the theater's seating and production.

"It's fascinating to see how everything works," tour goer Marianne Hart said. "This is all stuff that I've wondered about. Like, how do they do scene changes so quickly? It was really neat to see it and have the process explained by somebody who works in this environment every day."

The show, which is based on "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," cost more than $10 million to produce and boasts state-of-the-art costumes and set design.

Tour guides go into detail about the process of making a production such as "Spamalot" go smoothly every night.

"This is the glamorous world of the quick-change booth," said tour guide and actor Steven Strafford. "Some actors have as many as 10 costume changes during a 90-minute show, so we have to be very efficient in having costumes and wigs laid out. In fact, we have dressers to help us."

While the tour is dominated by the complexities of the production, juicy tidbits about theater life are dropped along the way.

"This is what we call a ghost light," Strafford said. "Theater people are really superstitious, and when we first started working, crazy stuff was happening. So we put a ghost light out on stage, it's supposed to ward off bad luck. It's a crazy theater superstition."

Guests are welcome to ask questions and take photos with cast and crew. Tickets cost $159 each and are available Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The tour takes place immediately after the show, and a limited number of tickets are available.

To order tickets, visit www.boxoffice.wynnlasvegas.com.

SECRETS OF THE GRAIL TOUR

* When: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays after the show.

* Where: Wynn Las Vegas

* Tickets: $159, includes premium seating for "Spamalot," souvenir chalice and backstage tour.

* Information: www.boxoffice.wynnlasvegas.com