When we left you last week, the orchestra was playing Lancelot’s ballad “If Ever I Should Leave You” as we reviewed the Magic of Camelot, the Kingdom of truth, love, and fairness.   For Village Players, Camelot is also the land of the many couples who have joined us for this production. Last week’s couples were married, but our Camelot teams are united in other ways as well.

“Your hair streaked with sunlight…”

Mother, Son and Dad: Team Nelson. For mother and son, Beth and Justin, this is their first time on stage at Village Players, and their first time in a show together. Dad, Dave, has been part of several productions, most recently “Sunset Boulevard,” where he designed the set and lighting. Dave will be handling the lights for this show, too! Justin reports that this is the first time he has been in a “huge show,” and he is very excited about the opportunity.

“Your lips red as flame…”

Mother and Daughter: Team Boggs. Alison & Hayley have done a number of shows together (at least six), with Camelot being their third with Village Players.  Previously they were seen together on VP’s stage in “Into the Woods” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” (another Holly Conroy production).

“Your face with a luster…”

Boyfriend/Girlfriend: Team Purcell/Bonin. Jude and Stephanie met during a production of “Carousel” at the Avon Players.  The director, obviously a good judge of people, paired them up in the “Clambake scene” noting, “you two would make a nice couple.”  Truer words were never spoken; Jude and Stephanie have worked together often since and were seen in VP’s productions of Scoundrels and 1940s Radio Hour.

“that puts gold to shame…”

There is so much magic in the  kingdom, it’s no wonder it spread to Washington D.C. during the Kennedy administration. President Kennedy’s first 100o days in office are often remembered as the “Days of  Camelot.”  America was filled with hope and wonder at the new youthful President and his stunning wife, Jackie.  Although that chapter of history closed on a tragic note, Jackie Kennedy preserved the memory of the magic kingdom by quoting lines from the title song at the President’s funeral:

“Don’t let it be forgot
That once there was a spot,
For one brief, shining moment
That was known as Camelot.”

–Gary Mach