Curtains open, curtains close. Even for “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” The multiple Tony Award-winning musical comedy “lovingly ripped from” the 1975 movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” will be played for the last time at the Shubert Theater on January 18, 2009.

When it shuts its doors, the musical will have recorded a total of 35 previews, as well as almost 1,600 regular shows.

The economic crisis has generated concern among numerous Broadway producers, who believe that ticket sales may shortly drift off.

However, “Monty Python’s Spamalot” has not wasted any time. The play has recuperated its production costs within half a year of its opening night, which took place on March 17, 2005. In addition, the play will have grossed over $175 million by its closing date, the New York Times cited a spokesman as saying.

The Broadway production is directed by Mike Nichols, with book and lyrics by Eric Idle, and tells the story of a less conventional King Arthur and the less heroic Knights of the Round Table. The cast list includes Clay Aiken, who will impersonate Sir Robin until January 4, as well as Michael Siberry, Merle Dandridge, Tom Deckman, Rick Holmes, Bradley Dean, Wally Dunn and David Hibbard.

The play was awarded with three Tony Awards in 2005 for Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Mike Nichols) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Sara Ramirez).