Central Missouri Repertory to Present Children’s Touring Production of ‘Guinevere & Lancelot’

Central Missouri Repertory Theatre at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) will present “Guinevere & Lancelot,” written and directed by Aaron Scully, Ph.D., this summer at numerous locations during the end of May and the beginning of June.

Local public performances for this production are on June 2 at 2 p.m. at the Highlander Theatre on the UCM campus in Warrensburg and in Lee’s Summit at Legacy Park Amphitheater at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free and seating is general admission, with no tickets required.

In the play, an evil is stirring in the land of Camelot. Guinevere has just become the queen in an arranged marriage to King Arthur. The king, in an effort to protect his new wife, brings in Sir Lancelot as her chief protector. Guinevere must team up with Lancelot to defeat the evil Mordred while trying desperately not to fall in love.

“I want to bring something exciting and entertaining to the young people of central Missouri,” said Dr. Scully, assistant professor of theatre at UCM. “The main thing that led me to create a story within the world of Camelot was the sword-fighting, so there will be a lot of swordplay. Also, I thought it would be cool to bring Guinevere’s story to the forefront, so we get to see her as the protagonist, leading the adventure and the fight against evil in her new home of Camelot. I’m hoping that not just the kids, but the parents and teachers, will all have a great time at this show."

“Guinevere & Lancelot” will tour presenting free performances at several sites in west-central Missouri, including:

- May 28 at Camp Wonderland, Lake of the Ozarks at 10 a.m.

- May 29 in Richmond at the Farris Theatre at 10 a.m.

- May 30 at Legacy Park Amphitheater in Lee’s Summit, with performances at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

- May 31 at Carrollton Elementary School at 10 a.m.

- June 2 at the Highlander Theatre on the UCM campus in Warrensburg at 2 p.m.

- June 3 at Lexington Middle School at 10 a.m.

- June 4 in Clinton at Clinton Intermediate School, with a performance at 9:30 a.m., and at Henry Elementary School at 1 p.m.

School performances are not open to the public.

The company includes Grace Clark as Guinevere, Quinn Allen as Lancelot, and Claire Groos as Merlin, Mordred and King Arthur. Dr. Aaron Scully is the production manager, producer, writer and director; Grace'e Carr is the stage manager; Alyna Mathews is the scenic/props designer and technical director; Cassie Kay Hoppas is the costume, hair and makeup designer; and Alice Combs is the sound designer.

“Guinevere & Lancelot” is sponsored through the support of the Wetzel Family Foundation and the Missouri Arts Council. This season marks the 38th anniversary of CMR bringing live children’s theatre productions to west-central Missouri.

For more information, please contact Dr. Aaron Scully at ascully@ucmo.edu or call the UCM Theatre and Dance office at (660) 543-4020.