New movie theater screens Monty Python's 'Holy Grail'

Forty years ago, British comedy troupe Monty Python reinvented the story of King Arthur and his knights with two coconuts, some knights that said "ni," an evil rabbit and an enchanter named Tim. The comedy inspired a musical, "Spamalot," and the musical inspired a movie theater, Grail Moviehouse, set to open in downtown Asheville in early 2016.

The theater celebrates the anniversary of its namesake with a special screening of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14. Since the theater, which will be located on South French Broad Avenue in the Downtown Market building, isn't complete, Grail Moviehouse will partner with Asheville Community Theater for the space to show the film.

It's an appropriate partnership: Grail owners Steve White and Davida Horowitz and their five kids saw a production of "Spamalot" at ACT in June 2014 that inspired the name of the business.

"We've always been Python fans, but that performance of 'Find Your Grail' made an impact," White said. "We were already looking for a location for our theater, but hadn't settled on a name yet."

He said the ACT staff members are "kindred spirits when it comes to wonderfully silly movies."

Grail Moviehouse is on track to open in 2016 with two movie screens that will display a mix of independent, foreign and big-budget movies.

White said the build out is progressing.

"We've got walls framed in and are waiting on the permits for electric and plumbing to go through," he said. "Plus we've pieced together most of our equipment and seats, so it will be a race to the finish when we get the go ahead."

To learn more about Grail Moviehouse and the upcoming screening of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (tickets are available online for $8 each), visit grailmoviehouse.com.