The Southwestern College Performing Arts department has announced their fall production of the Lerner and Lowe musical, “Camelot.”  The show will be performed on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center.  There is no admission charge to attend.  Donations will be accepted to help the theatre department to continue to grow. 

Terry McGonigle, production director and designer, chose the show because of the universal themes and the timelessness of the message that comes from the story.

“‘Camelot’ represents the pursuit of an ideal society built on fairness, law, and human nobility,” McGonigle says.  “I believe it symbolizes humanity’s effort to rise above the savagery, violence, and the ancient rule of ‘might makes right’ through the establishment of equality and justice for all.”

The cast list for the show includes:, John Moberly as Merlyn, Andrew Porter as King Arthur of England, Adam Urich as Sir Caster, Pierce Mitchell as Lancelot, and Kayden Tarver as Queen Guenevere. 

The Court of Camelot includes: Jack Titgemeyer as Sir Dinadan, Garrison Ray as Sir Lionel, Kearson Carlson as Lady Agnes, Jennifer McCadden as Lady Beatrice, Hailey Gardner as Lady Ida, Kitana Miller as Lady Jane, Abbey Denly as Lady Sybil, Austin Fairbanks as Lady Teresa, Vanessa Lopez as Lady Whitney, Aiden Morales as Sir Bryan, Andruw Rodriguez as Sir Clarius, Saven Rosales as Sir Guilliam, Liam McCann as Sir Gwayne, Ethan Green as Sir Sagramore, Kearson Carlson as Nimue, Jennifer McCadden as Page, John Moberly as King Pellinore, Adam Urich as Mordred, Kitana Miller as Morgan Le Fey, and Franklin Morris as Tom of Warwick.

According to McGonigle, the legend of Camelot is about 850 years old, having first appearing in literature during the 1170’s.  He says that most scholars agree Camelot was entirely fictional, serving as a symbol of the ideal chivalric court. 

“Real or not real, the central message, particularly highlighted in the musical adaptation, is that attempting to create a virtuous world is a worthy endeavor in its own right, even if it ultimately falls or fades into myth,” McGonigle says.