'Tournament' gives audiences plenty to cheer about

"Tournament of Kings," new at the Excalibur, has a different, more action-packed story line than its predecessor, "King Arthur's Tournament." The 900-seat arena was at capacity when we caught a 6 p.m. performance earlier this week. Audience involvement was also enhanced this show with rooting sections, much cheering, participation throughout and an unusual event after the finale.

Many in the audience remained in their seats to speak with the various performers after the show, rather than rushing to the exits, a nice compliment.

Merlin the Magician, portrayed by Doug Baker, comes on early, aided by a jester, and sets up the plot and the audience participation. Baker wrote the current show and is an instructor at Clark County Community College. He also appears as the Master of Ceremonies for the various competitions between the kings of various countries, including Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Russia and Spain.

Comedian Dave Swan is a believable King Arthur, as he was for the nine-year run of the first show. Anthony Hansen is a dashing Christopher, Arthur's son, who eventually is coerced into battle by the evil Mordred, Paul Fidler. Fidler fits the part perfectly, as does Ivan Caulier, the Dragon jouster who choreographed the various competitions. The 38-member cast is uniformly excellent.

If old fashioned derring-do pleases you, this show is a must. It is also for all the generations in your family. Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power fans will love it. The show is also of historical significance, a nice way of explaining another time, another era to your young ones.

Food is served at both shows. The menu, medieval-style, consists of soup, Cornish Hen, twice-baked potato, seasonal vegetables, dinner roll, an apple dumpling and coffee, tea or soda. The $34.95 price is plus tax and otherwise all-inclusive.

"King Arthur's Tournament" was produced by Peter Jackson and his son, Patrick. The elder Jackson died during the year-end holidays. The show closed Jan. 3. The arena was not available for rehearsal until Jan. 14 for installation of a new sound and lights system, plus a round table that descends from the ceiling. Approximately $1 million was spent, total. It shows and seems well worth the expenditure.

Patrick Jackson and director Phillip Shelbourne deserve special acknowledgement for getting a new production audience-ready in just three weeks. I had an excellent meal and a great time and so will you and yours.

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