Wednesday, March 19, 2003
|
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 |
|
STG takes audiences to "Camelot" By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
The story of King Arthur is perhaps one of the most beloved tales of all time. "Camelot," the popular Lerner and Loewe musical focuses on the romantic triangle between King Arthur, Guenevere, and Lancelot. Southside Theatre Guild will present "Camelot" Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from March 20-April 12. "Camelot" is a big production, featuring a cast of 30, a set, designed by Dwain Eidson, that swivels to transport the cast and audience from Arthur's castle to the woods of the kingdom, a dedicated crew and an experienced director, Eileen Baldwin. Baldwin has been involved with dozens of shows on the southside including STG's "Once Upon a Mattress," and Fayette Players and Community Theatre's "Barefoot in the Park." The last show she directed was "Annie" for Fayette Community Theatre, which was another big show. Baldwin is excited about "Camelot" and her cast. "We have phenomenal leads and a great crew," said Baldwin, who has been most pleased by the amount of volunteer support the show has benefitted from. Michael Houghtaling, seen last summer as Capt. Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" will play King Arthur, while Guenevere will be played by Casey Simons and Lancelot will be played by Strelecki. Rounding out the leads are Jonny May as Mordred, Ray Greene as Merlin, and Charlie Gillespie as King Pellimore. The cast has shown a tremendous work ethic and flexibility. Several cast members rehearsed with Baldwin in the early mornings due to scheduling conflicts with work, while the rest of the cast would meet for rehearsals that night. Due to a renovation of the lighting system, the cast was not in the theater at the beginning and met at a local church. Several families are involved in the show as well, participating either on stage together or as members of the crew. Even Baldwin's dog, Gambit, will take the stage in the show as Horrid. "Camelot" is famous for the songs "If Ever I Would Leave You," "C'est Moi," "How to Handle a Woman" and, of course, "Camelot." The show is family-friendly and features a little bit of stage combat with some truly amazing swords, including the mighty Excalibur. Baldwin sees "Camelot" as a tale of good versus evil, though the battle is never simple. "The battle between good versus evil is one that must be fought every day," Baldwin said. "Arthur defended what he believed in and was caught up in events over which he had no control. He loved Camelot, Guenevere, Lancelot and all of his people, yet he did as his laws proscribed, no matter how much it hurt him." "Camelot" has enchanted audiences since it's premiere in 1960 and local audiences are sure to fall in love with this production. The show will be presented at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through April 12. Tickets are $10 on Thursdays and $10 for children 12 and under and $12 for adults on Friday and Saturday. Phone 770-969-0956 or visit www.stgplays.com. |
