By Staff
FOREST MEETING Pep Speed, left, portraying Mordred, talks with Sissy Weems, starring as Morgan Le Fey, as Chet Estep, portraying Merlyn, looks on. The group is part of MLT's 40-member "Camelot" cast. Photo by Kyle Carter/The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall / staff writer
Sept. 28, 2003
After more than 1,400 years, the fabled King Arthur returned to life in the person of actor Richard Burton who portrayed the character in the original Broadway production of the musical.
When "Camelot" opens Thursday at Meridian Little Theatre, Mayor John Robert Smith will portray the noble and troubled king. Susie Johnson will be Queen Guenevere and Ken Patterson will be Sir Lancelot.
A major sparkle of "Camelot" comes from its costumes.
Under the supervision of wardrobe mistress, Susan Speed, all costumes have been shipped in from Dodger's Costume Company in New York City. The majority of the costumes are reproductions used in the original Broadway production and the national touring show.
The New York Times called "Camelot," "one of the major lavish spectacle of the musical stage."
The dancing in "Camelot," under the direction of Pat Gray, intensifies the show's magic spell. Carey Smith and his 13-piece orchestra furnishes the music. Ken Patterson is music director and Wayne McInnis rehearsal pianist. Melinda Perry acts as stage manager.
Besides Smith, Johnson and Patterson, the cast also includes Jack Hall playing the befuddled Pellinore with his faithful dog, Horrid; Pep Speed as the sinister Mordred; Sissy Weems plays the beautiful enchantress Morgan Le Fey; and Chet Estep as Merlyn the magician.
Other cast members include Ed Little, Brad Matherne, Tom Fair, Joel Johnson, John Triplett, Jeremy Sande, Lisa Covington, Re'cheal Redmond, Virgie Palmer, Drew Torgerson, Mike Nanney, Rustin Wheat, Kelly Driggers, Kay Poole, Wendy Redoblado, Jennifer Jones, LeAnn Palmer, Amy Poole, Margaret Remy, Kate Gressett, Sarah Fair, Anna Edwards, Jessica Williams and Matt Crane.