TLTC Recreates Legendary Camelot in 2002

Don Meeder realized a lifelong dream of playing Camelot's King Arthur during the Three Lakes Theater Company's seventh production in June 14, 2001.  (Photo by Nancy Resch)

ing Arthur and his legendary court entertained Northwoods audiences June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at the Three Lakes High School Auditorium.  Performing to near capacity crowds of 500 for six performances, the TLTC completed its seventh season on a high note.

The Storyline

Set in Celtic Briton, the Tams Witmark musical Camelot opens with Arthur, a nervous, shy king awaiting the arrival of his bride—someone he has yet to see. Realizing that he is the only person avoiding the festivities, he sings "I Wonder What the King Is Doing Tonight." The forthright young woman he is about to marry echoes his trepidation, fearing that she has lost out on "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood."

Upon meeting in the forest, both are pleasantly surprised and go forth happily to the wedding festivities.

As the production progresses, a woodland nymph named Nimue lures Arthur’s mentor Merlyn away from Camelot. Yet Merlin’s teachings stay with the king who builds a world of peace and tranquility, forming the celebrated Round Table. News of Arthur and Camelot’s greatness spread throughout the land, eventually attracting the young and conceited Lancelot.

Members of Arthur’s court, especially the queen, find the newcomer to be insufferable. When the Knights of the Round Table challenge the young upstart to a joust, Guenevere insists upon giving them a kerchief as a token of her favor. Arthur can do little to prevent her from taking this action and laments his plight in "How To Handle a Woman."

As time passes in Camelot, Lancelot eventually wins the favor of both the court and the queen. His feelings toward Guenevere soon develop into a deep, but silent, love. These emotions, however, are in constant conflict with the loyalty and respect he feels for Arthur. To stay his inner turmoil, Lancelot leaves on a quest, which keeps him from court for two years. Upon returning, he declares his love to the queen singing, "If Ever I Would Leave You."

Although the two are willing to proclaim their love to one another, they decide to conceal their feelings from Arthur. Unknown to them, Arthur is aware of their closeness, yet he feels that preserving the peace in Camelot must take priority.

As the production enters its darker themes, Arthur’s illegitimate son, Mordred, arrives in Camelot intent on dishonoring the King in order to take the throne in his place. Loathing the ideals of peace and prosperity so evident throughout the land, Mordred scoffs at "The Seven Deadly Virtues," while the queen hopes to cheer him by asking "What Do the Simple Folk Do?"

Modred eventually traps an unsuspecting Arthur in the enchanted forest of Morgan le Fey overnight. Tragically, Lancelot plays into Modred’s plans and visits the queen in her chambers. After confessing that he ‘loved her once in silence,’ the mood is shattered by the arrival of Modred and several knights. Although Lancelot escapes, Guenevere does not.

As the play nears its end, Arthur is faced with some difficult decisions.

Page last updated on 06/04/2008