Middle ages live on stage in play

Spellbinding tale of olden days, magic and myths are retold in dramatic setting.
BY MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
The myths surrounding the life and times of the legendary King Arthur were magically re-created Friday night at Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St.
There, Carol Weakland's production of "Arthur and Merlin: The Making of a King," the first part of a trilogy, took the audience back in time to a mystical world where good and evil often clashed.
The play is a spellbinding tale of other ways and other days. It begins in a troubled time as Arthur (B.J. Wilkes) is near death after being mortally wounded in a civil war. He has been taken to the isle of Avalon by his sister Morgen (Weakland), who casts a magic spell to save his life.
In the dream world she creates, Arthur relives his past.
His life is relived in a flashback, where he appears as a 15-year-old youth (a remarkable Stefan Hayek), the son of King Uther Pendragon (Larry Latsko) and naturally the heir to the throne. However, Lot (Robert Greaves) and Urien (Chazz Sutton), who are contenders for the throne, see things differently and seem determined to murder the young man before he can inherit the crown.
But they are stopped in their tracks by the wily Merlin (excellently portrayed by Sam Perry), a wise magician who casts amazing spells to foil the evil men.
Words of wisdom
The young Arthur is awed by Merlin's mystic powers and constantly wonders, "How did you do that?" But when he insists that Merlin predict his future, the wise old man refuses, saying, "That would spoil all the fun."
The young man finds life is confusing as he encounters and battles his enemies, meets and receives words of advice from the Lady of the Lake (Anne Finnerty-James), falls in love with the lovely Guenevere (Lindsey Shaffer), and is seduced by an evil witch named Morgause (Rachel Peteritis), who sets out to destroy Arthur's reign of peace.
However, Arthur obtains a magical sword called Excalibur, which can only be claimed by the rightful contender for the throne, and with the mighty weapon he vanquishes many of his enemies before he is cut down in battle.
Rounding the outstanding cast are Sean Hayek as Bedivere, Matt Seiser as Cal and Molly Makselan as young Morgen. Jack Walker served as the director.
Dramatic special effects
This is a fascinating production of the imaginative mind of Weakland. Characters appear and disappear in a shroud of mist and fog as if by magic. And, with a wave of Merlin's hand, many are turned momentarily into statues.
The authentic-looking costumes and the dramatic scenery add realism to the drama. And, of course, there is swordplay! Outstanding swordplay in which the weapons clash realistically as the enemies slash at each other in spectacular, perfectly timed, well choreographed battle scenes.
The story of "Arthur and Merlin" supposedly took place a long time ago. It is an epic tale -- and at the Oakland, it took a long time to tell. While fascinating, spellbinding and imaginative, nearly three hours of even excellent entertainment is a little much.
If you have the time and can "sit for a spell," don't miss this production.