The musical “Camelot” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Nov. 20 and 21 in the Newton High School auditorium.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students. No passes will be accepted. For reservations, e-mail cconley@newton.k12.ks.us or call 284-6280, ext. 2412.
The musical is directed by Cassandra Conley. Music director is Donna Woolery, and conductor is Keith Woolery. Stage manager is Jenny Pierce. The production includes 64 students in the cast and 15 student crew members. There will be nine students and four adults performing in the orchestra pit.
In the production, a nervous King Arthur tries to get his teacher, Merlyn, to give him information about Guenevere, the future queen.
“Merlyn knows the future, as he lives from the future into the present,” according to www.tams-witmark.com. “He grows younger instead of aging. Upon her arrival, Guenevere dodges the awaiting crowds and hides as she sings ‘The Simple Joys of Maidenhood.’ Arthur and Guenevere accidentally meet in the forest and are delighted to find they are charmed with each other. The wonderfully placid Camelot, where royal decree sets the tone, becomes the set for a story of love and chivalry.
“The trusty Merlyn is lured away from Arthur by a spirit, and Arthur is on his own. Five years pass and Arthur tries to follow the course of wisdom set for him by Merlyn. He creates a new philosophy, one that says might should be the weapon of right. He creates the Round Table, a new concept of chivalry whose advocates will be charged with improving rather than destroying, with redressing past wrongs and aiding the oppressed. The table at which these knights will meet will be round so no one man can take precedence by sitting at the head.
“The word of this Round Table spreads to France where Lancelot heeds its call and arrives in Camelot. In ‘C’est Moi,’ Lancelot proclaims he is the most extraordinary mortal, the perfect and invincible knight. He has dedicated his life to the quest for perfection in body and spirit. The queen and her party are engaged in a May Day outing when Lancelot arrives. Everyone finds him pompous and disagreeable except Arthur.”
The show includes such songs as “Camelot,” “Lusty Month of May,” “I Wonder How the King is Doing Tonight” and “How to Handle a Woman.”
Cast members include:
• Steven Garcia as King Arthur.
• Mystery performer as Merlyn.
