'Camelot' opens magical 2004 season

The classic Broadway musical "Camelot" comes alive anew Saturday night at the Carson City Community Center. The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company is producing the classic entertainment with a cast of 45 from the surrounding area..

Friday and Saturday performances are 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees are 2 p.m., running from May 8-23. There is also a Saturday matinee on May 22. Admission is $14 general, $12 for students and seniors, and $10 for youths 17 and under. Call 445-4249 for tickets.

The musical tells the story of the legendary English King Arthur and his bride, Guenevere, and the knight eventually errant Lancelot.

It follows Guenevere and Lancelot's forbidden love as they try unsuccessfully to resist their passion, out of loyalty and affection for Arthur.

Playing Arthur in this production is Glenn Heath, who has acted in television, movies and on stage.

"But I've been out of shows for four years so it was quite a surprise to walk in for the audition and be selected," said Heath. "It's a classic love story and despite the kind of sad ending it tells of a king who put his country ahead of his own feelings."

Sarah Pennebaker (Eliza in the 2000 production of "My Fair Lady") plays Guenevere. "It's a lovely role," she said. Pennebaker went to Carson High and now lives in Reno and is a new mother. "I had some difficulty with adjusting my personal code with Guenevere's, but I think I'm comfortable with the role now."

Joshua Jessup, last seen as Tony in "West Side Story," plays Lancelot. "Lancelot is a righteous but flawed character," he said.

The daft old king Pellinore is played by Patrick Hardy, while Arthur's conniving illegitimate son Mordred is played by Domenic Proccacini II. Some 40 singers and dancers complete the cast, accompanied by a live orchestra.

Veteran Bob Grant directs the show. At rehearsal Grant said that he had directed the show before, at Caesars Tahoe for one. "This is a story that offers fine music and drama. The king is torn between his love for Guenevere and his need to make a moral decision about her infidelity. And despite his love, he does what is right for his country.

"We're adding some new twists to the show, such as using robotic lights. And the costumes required a lot of creative work and they're lovely."

Stephanie Arrigotti is the producer and orchestra conductor, Gina Kaskie-Davis is the choreographer.

Tickets for "Camelot" are available at Comma Coffee at 312 South Carson Street, Maytan Music on South Center Street in Reno, or may be charged by phone at the WNCC Performing Arts Office, 445-4249.