Twas the night before Thanksgiving and kings of old Europe were sharpening swords and mounting their stirrups. The spirit of Christmas was rumored at risk, so said wizard Merlin with a wave and a whisk. There must be a tournament and banquet of guests, where courage and strengths are put to the test. The strongest of all will face evil itself, making holidays safe for every Santa elf.
Thus, the holiday version of Tournament of Kings, ’Twas the Knight commences deep inside the realm of Excalibur, where a particularly rowdy crowd cheers on martial monarchs from sections reserved for the kingdoms of Spain, Ireland, Austria, Norway, Hungary, Romania, France and the evil Dragon. As hearty suppers of roasted Cornish game hen, sweet potatoes and corn on the cob are served, spectators pound on tables in anticipation of the action soon to be underway.
Merlin, dressed in his holiday finery of red cloak fringed with white ermine, arrives first along with a jester skilled in the art of juggling. After giving instructions on how and when to yell “Huzzah!” and explaining that the spirit of Christmas is in jeopardy, Merlin moves into the background so the kings can make entrances on horseback and greet their subjects.
One of them, including the great King Arthur, will be made champion after a series of grueling combative competitions. Sparks fly as swords clang, maces and battle axes strike shields, and warriors wrestle in hand-to-hand combat for the right to fight against the dark forces that would dampen your holiday cheer.
Jousting provides the climactic clash, with fully armored opponents galloping toward each other at top speed. Will the prevailing combatant have the right stuff to defeat Mordred’s evil knight? Can Mordred’s command of the element of fire cause Christmas cheer to go down in flames? Does Merlin have the sufficient magical power to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow?
Attendees of ’Twas the Knight know the answers to those questions after witnessing round-table revelry that included drummers, dancing maidens and a damsel in a flowing scarlet gown riding astride a stallion. Desserts are served, beverages are topped off throughout the proceedings and Merlin is rumored to have a special recipe for margaritas.
It can get loud and maybe a little frightening at times, so smaller patrons accompanying adults should be prepared to provide aid and comfort. Otherwise, it’s an action-packed adventure that causes children of all ages to lose their inhibitions and test the volume capacity of their voices. There is an arcade beyond the exit where excess aggression can be worked off with Skee-Ball sessions and air hockey face-offs.
Tournament of Kings veterans may detect more physicality in the fighting, more realism in movement and more impacts that look like they must have hurt. Cast and crew continue to rehearse and refine the venerable production, keeping up with contemporary cinematic standards and expectations of each new generation. For kids, it’s a forever memory and an energy-expending holiday highlight that will conclude in a sleep of heavenly peace.
Excalibur. 702.597.7600
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