TALE OF THE TAPE

Compiled by John Katsilometes, Jerry Fink and Mark Whittington

Friday, Jan. 19, 2007 | 6:58 a.m.

Compiled by John Katsilometes, Jerry Fink and Mark Whittington

Two new productions on the Strip are leaning on a pair of pop icons whose wide-ranging resumes include prime-time hits, daytime dramas, voice-overs and Broadway-style musicals.

David Hasselhoff, who starred in "Baywatch," slips into a dress as Roger DeBris in "The Producers" at Paris Las Vegas.

John O'Hurley, who portrayed J. Peterman in "Seinfeld" and won a much-anticipated rematch on "Dancing With the Stars," dons armor as King Arthur in "Monty Python's Spamalot" at Wynn Las Vegas.

"The Producers"

Mel Brooks' "The Producers," based on his 1968 film of the same name, opened on Broadway in 2001 to rave reviews and is the recipient of the most Tony Awards in Broadway history (12, including Best Musical).

David Hasselhoff ("Knight Rider," "Baywatch") is the name star giving the boost to "The Producers." Hasselhoff plays a supporting role - flamboyant director Roger DeBris, who was played by Christopher Hewett in the movie and Gary Beach in the original Broadway cast.

The premise of Brooks' production is an effort by a shady producer to find a play that is sure to flop on Broadway and close within days of opening - raise $2 million for a show that will cost $100,000 and pocket the difference after the show closes.

When: Previews 8 p.m., Jan. 31 through Feb. 7. Opens Feb. 8 and shows will be at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Tuesdays, with an additional 2 p.m. show on Saturdays.

Where: Le Theatre des Arts, Paris Las Vegas

"Monty Python's Spamalot"

Based on the absurd 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" - which featured Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Michael Palin at their absolute zaniest - "Spamalot" will have an instant following, but will it attract new fans?

Bringing in the popular John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld," "Dancing With the Stars") might help. He plays King Arthur in the ensemble cast. It's the role played by Chapman in the movie and by Tim Curry on Broadway and in London's West End.

Idle adapted the film to the stage, which won a Tony in 2005 for Best Musical. The show is directed by Oscar and Tony Award winner Mike Nichols.

The musical, a twist on Arthurian legend about knights searching for the Holy Grail, contains some elements of the film as well as some new twists, including Las Vegas showgirls and dancing divas.

When: Previews March 8 through April 7, times vary. When it opens April 8, show times will be 8 p.m., Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays; and 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Where: The Grail Theater, Wynn Las Vegas

Tickets: $49 to $99; 770-9966