 HUZZAH!
I
thought I had seen it all, but I guess I haven’t. That’s
the charm about Las Vegas, just when you think you’ve been-there
and done-that – something comes along and changes that. Not
that the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur is new. By Vegas standards,
this show, which debuted in June 19, 1990 as “King Arthur’s
Tournament,” is now 18 years old and still going strong. That’s
something in this day and age.
To
be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard about
it, but never found the time to go, thinking it was mostly entertainment
geared towards young children, but I found it to be something that
an entire family could enjoy.
First-off,
the medieval theme is prevalent throughout – from the moment
you enter the arena, which by the way, is a masterpiece in itself,
to when you’re seated – there are no round dinner tables,
and the audience is seated theater-style, like spectators –
and all the way down to eating dinner – where there is no
cutlery in sight – the show retains as much medieval authenticity
as it can, considering it’s the year 2008.
 This
might very well be the original dinner theater concept, albeit on
a much larger scale – as the arena comfortably seats 900.
And as far as this production goes, it is evident that they don’t
sacrifice quality for quantity. The production has a cast of about
44 actors and musicians, 38 horses, and possibly, more costume changes
than Cher and Bette combined. In all, expect about 10 maidens and
acrobats, one magician, one jester, seven kings, 20 drummers, one
king, one villain and more.
What’s
surprising about this show is that its novelty doesn’t seem
to wear off. The audience really enjoy the production in its entirety
– the children enjoy pounding the tables and eating with their
fingers; as do most of the adults; and they especially enjoy cheering
each king as they compete against each other.
It’s
the age-old story of good versus evil, King Arthur versus Mordred,
and the fun comes along the way, during the lead-up to the final,
epic battle. Audience participation is key and this show is not
lacking in that department. Everyone is encouraged to cheer for
their own king, where each section of the arena is attributed to
one king/country. I was seated in ‘Russia,’ who was
not the most popular king that evening, being only slightly better
than the section assigned to Mordred. But no matter, as I boo-ed
and cheered along with the rest and best of them, and witnessed
several edge-of-your-seat expressions from the young ladies seated
beside me.
 This
show may not be for everyone, but for the 900 or so that were there
that evening, it was magical. They got to eat with their fingers,
make a lot of noise, cheer for the good guys, watch pretty maidens,
witness kingly combat with swords and jousting – all amidst
an original score, fantastic costumes and an excellent cast and
crew, horses included.
In
times like these, Tournament of Kings offers a little bit of escapism,
and for an hour and a half, you are transported to a world where
good triumphs over evil, where bad guys always get their due and
where eating with your hands is considered the norm. Alas! If only
that were true in this arena we call real life.
-Rachel
M. Sugay
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