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American Idol season 2 runner-up, Clay Aiken, is headed back to the stage. He will play Man in Chair in the North Carolina Theatre’s upcoming production of the musical The Drowsy Chaperone.

The show will run May 7-12 in the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Clay was previously seen on Broadway in Monty Python’s Spamalot a few years ago.

“The very first time I ever auditioned for anything was when I stepped into an audition for NCT’s production of 1776 back in 1996. North Carolina Theatre was my first experience performing on a professional stage,” said Clay in a statement. “It’s possible that, had it not been for experience and encouragement I received as a part of this organization, I may never have had the confidence to audition for ‘American Idol.’ Now, 17 years after my first theatrical performance, I’m happy to be fulfilling a promise I made years ago to return to the stage at North Carolina Theatre.”

“It has always been a dream of ours to have Clay Aiken back on the NCT stage someday. Clay is a remarkable talent and a fine theatre actor – we are beyond thrilled that The Drowsy Chaperone has created this opportunity,” added NC Theatre artistic director Casey Hushion. “We are grateful that Clay has been a longtime supporter and a true friend to NCT and we cannot wait to watch him shine in this incredibly unique role.”

Clay will be joined by Tony winner Beth Leavel, who will reprise the role of The Drowsy Chaperone that she created on Broadway.

The plot revolves around a show-tune addict (named Man in Chair) who shares with the audience his favorite cast album — 1928′s fictional The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the vintage musical comes to life around him.

For tickets visit www.NCTheatre.com or call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Read more at Playbill