The legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table may not be true, but it’s one of those legends we wish were true. It offers the ideas of chivalry and courtly love, honor and dignity and love of country. In 1960, lyricist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe turned the story into a musical and called it Camelot.
Now you have a chance to see the classic stage production at The Holland Theatre this weekend. Performances are scheduled for Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m., or there’s a matinee on Sunday, June 22, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at theholland.org/tickets or at the box office during open hours. Call (937) 592-9002 for more information.
Though it’s an older show, director Kris Swisher believes it’s “a good story for today. It has a lot of energy.” She added, “It’s about hope and renewal.”
Camelot is, of course, based on the legend of a young, idealistic ruler named King Arthur, played by Brian Timpe, who has big dreams for his kingdom. But his principles are tested when Guinevere (Hannah Davis), his beloved wife, falls in love with one of Arthur’s knights, Lancelot (Michael Mallory). Arthur wrestles with his decision as he has to choose between his love for Guinevere and his duty as a king.
Though the show has a cast of 21 performers, most of the story focuses on Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot. But other characters of note are Merlin, of course (Chris Hildreth-Blair), Sir Pellinore (Mark Marshall Amidon) and a trio of knights played by Ian Fullerton, Q Snyder, and Andrew Stoner.
“Those three knights are just exceptional,” Swisher said. “Everyone contributes so much, but those three have a great presence on stage.”
She also praised Amidon’s performance, who not only brings his vast talent but also his pet dog, which plays Horrid and, according to Swisher, steals the show. But regarding Amidon, she admitted, “Don’t give him a part you don’t want him to play. He won’t let you down.”
Though he came to the stage late in his career, Amidon has come to enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a cast who support each other.
As for Camelot, Amidon said, “It’s filled with music and humor and, ultimately, a message about peaceful coexistence.”
The cast also includes Chris Hildreth-Blair as Merlyn (and knight); Garrett Criner as Mordred, Arthur’s illegitimate son who seeks to overthrow the kingdom; Anita Craig as Morgan Le Fey; and Charity Zimmerman as Nimue.
Swisher has a lot of help behind the scenes as well, including Michael Suman, orchestra director; David Buchenroth, vocal director; Suzanne Dennis, choreography; Rebecca Browning, costumes; and Nikki Burkhamer, makeup.
“It’s a good play with lots of good music, and The Holland Theatre shows off the cast very well,” Swisher concluded. “We’ve got the people who can do what we need to do to have a great show.”
