It’s tough finding family activities to do with teenagers. There, I said it. Even with all that Seattle offers, it’s challenging to find activities everyone enjoys. That’s why we jumped at the chance to go to see Village Theatre’s production of Lerner & Loewe’s “Camelot” in Issaquah. Why? Because the entire family, from the youngest to the oldest, loves live theatre. And, we knew that Village Theatre’s “Camelot” would not disappoint.
Experience live theatre with your kids, locally
Before I jump into the show, I encourage you to consider how, when, and where you can experience live theatre with your kids. There is something magical about silencing your phones, taking your seats, and seeing a performance together. The best part? You have plenty to talk about after the show and for days follow. And the teens might talk more than the adults.
The scoop on Camelot
Here’s the scoop on “Camelot.” The storyline is sweet and sad, with a generous side of laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a little like being a teenager.
“Camelot” is one of the most brilliant musicals to emerge in the 1960s, featuring unforgettable songs. Your heart will be singing throughout the Village Theatre show, and it’s unlikely you can hear comparable performances, even if you travel to Broadway or London’s West End. The chances are few and far between to experience voices akin to Harther Clingman (Arthur), Jessica Skerritt (Guenevere), Adam James King (Lancelot) – no matter where you enjoy a night of theatre. (I worked with symphony orchestras and opera companies for close to a decade, and make this observation with confidence.)
But don’t expect the 1960s production. Village Theatre’s “Camelot” places love front and center. Love – in the form of the love triangle between Arthur, Guenevere, and Lancelot.
The complexity of the relationship between three people who care deeply about each other adds to the sadness or, as the French (and maybe Lancelot) would say, tristesse. Again, it’s a little like being a teenager.
As Arthur, Guenevere, and Lancelot quickly discover, there’s no easy way out of a love triangle. But along the way, they have a glorious time of it – and take the audience along for the ride.
“Camelot” gives you a lot to laugh about, from the frolics of the manly singing knights to Lancelot’s lack of self-awareness (some might say pomposity). This production has no shortage of witty dialogue sandwiched between physical comedy. Even though the romance doesn’t end well, we found ourselves smiling throughout.
Was Camelot fact or fiction? Ask a teenager.
One historical note: “Camelot” is a fiction based on fiction based on a story based on questionable history. Historians can’t confirm that King Arthur ever existed. This was a hot topic of conversation for our kids during the intermission. It got us all talking. And for that reason alone, we’re already planning our next visit to the theatre.
Here are tips for enjoying your trip to Village Theatre in Issaquah.
- Save on tickets at visit VillageTheatre.org/Discounts. They offer subscriptions, student ticket prices, rush tickets, and Pay What You Will performances. They’re also a member of TeenTix, so your teenager can see Camelot for as low as $5.
- Free street parking (and plenty of spaces on side streets)
- Easy access off and on I-90 (it’s 2 minutes from the exit)
- There are lots of great restaurants within walking distance for dinner before the show
- Comfy seats with good legroom
- Friendly box office staff who can offer recommendations about great shows to enjoy with kids
“Camelot” will transfer from Issaquah to Everett next month. Performance dates are September 10 - October 13 in Issaquah and October 19 - November 10 in Everett.
My mother owned the “Camelot” soundtrack (a record) and played it often. She was a huge fan of Julie Andrews, who was part of the original Broodway cast as Guenevere. As a child, I loved the songs but didn’t understand the lyrics. Now, many years after her passing, it’s clear to me why she loved it so much.
