Callaway Public Library to bring 'King Arthur' to kids

Local youth will be able to join the Knights of the Round Table in an upcoming production of "The Legend of King Arthur."

The Hampstead Stage Company will stage the play in the Friends Room of the Callaway County Public Library at 2 p.m. on July 30.

It will be a two-person show, with each performer playing several characters, while also incorporating some audience participation. Children ages 6 and older are welcome to attend with their parents. A question and answer session will follow the play.

"We want to give theater goers a great experience so they don't feel shut out," said Lisa Fischel, of the Hampstead Stage Company. "It's something to get really excited about ... it'll hopefully make them come back and experience more live theater as they get older."

Fischel will play the titular king and other characters in the production. Hampstead sends four acting duos to different regions of the United States armed with props and costumes and charged with putting on shows aimed toward educating youth.

"It's kind of the bare bones of theater, kind of the front line of theater," Fischel said.

"King Arthur's" plot of a young boy suddenly being thrust into a position responsibility can be a valuable teaching tool, said Fischel.

"You're a kid and then something big happens and you have to deal with accepting responsibility and growing up," Fischel said. "And you learn that when you grow up and accept responsibilities and work with your friends, the world isn't such a scary place."

Fischel complimented the show's script, allowing much of its original content to stay as is and allowing the actors to teach the young audience a lesson in a not-so-preachy way.

"I think what's really good about Hampstead and the ways the productions go is we're not talking down to anyone," Fischel said. "...We make it a point to say, "Hey, you're a human being and no matter what, you can relate to this.'"

The showing of "King Arthur" in Callaway County will be preceded by a pair of productions on July 29 at the Columbia Public Library.

Fischel said the play has been getting a positive response so far, with special recognition going to its interactive nature.

"I think the biggest thing they really responded to was being talked to," she said. "...I think the fact that they have someone actively engaging them excites them and makes them want to come back."