Press Room:
King Arthur Opens at Arkansas Arts Center on October 29

For more information contact:
Emily Fraize, 501-396-0308
efraize@arkarts.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

King Arthur Opens at Arkansas Arts Center on October 29

This timeless legend, adapted for stage by Keith Smith, tells the story of young Prince Arthur who is raised by a knight and his family in order to protect him against constant danger in a time where war and poverty run rampant. Arthur, unaware of his royal heritage, is shown a magic sword trapped in an anvil by his mentor Merlin. It is not until his father, King Uther Pendragon, dies and Merlin reveals Arthur's true destiny that Arthur realizes the importance of the sword, proves his worth and claims the throne as the new High King of Britain.

The cast of "King Arthur," directed by Bradley Anderson, includes: Keith Smith as Merlin; Courtney Dorsey as Girl in White; Sid McMath as Arthur; Thomas Hankins as Uther and Archbishop; Don Rush as Ulfius, Saxon Warrior and Helmet; Ragan Renteria as Ygraine; John Isner as Ector; Randee as Brynne; Josh Rice as Cai; Buddy Habig as Friar Andrew; Andrew Bartholmey as Club and Assassin; and Michael Connell, Emily Hill and Sophie Overton as Hungry Children.

The legend of King Arthur dates back over 1000 years and was originally told in song and oral stories. The tales were first written down by troubadours around 1170. The stories have since been immortalized in classic literature by authors such as Sir Thomas Malory in "Le Morte D'Arthur," Alfred, Lord Tennyson in "The Idylls of the King," and T.H. White in "The Once and Future King."

"King Arthur and the Magic Sword" will run through November 14, 2004. Other performances during the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre 2004-2005 season include: "Alice in Wonderland," "There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe," "The Time Machine" and "Madeline." Individual tickets are $14 and $12 for groups of ten or more. To reserve tickets, call the Arkansas Arts Center at 501-372-4000.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE INFORMATION
Posters: Commemorative posters of each Children's Theatre production are available for $10
Public Showings: 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday
2:00 p.m. Sunday
Location: Arkansas Arts Center - 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Season Sponsor: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Media Sponsor: Little Rock Family