Camelot

Act One

The show opens with King Arthur hiding in a tree, racked with nerves about his upcoming arranged marriage. His mentor, Merlin the Magician, arrives and chides him for his cowardly, unroyal-like behavior. Because Merlin can see both the future and the present, he knows his time with King Arthur will soon end and encourages Arthur to find independence and think for himself. Once left on his own again, Arthur reflects on his upcoming marriage and Merlin’s wise words (“I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight?”). Guenevere (the king’s soon-to-be wife) runs through the woods but doesn’t see Arthur who has climbed back up the tree. She laments having to become queen, much preferring to live a simpler life (“Simple Joys of Maidenhood”). When she notices Arthur, he introduces himself with his childhood nickname Wart and, hoping to change her mind, tells her all the wonderful things about living in Camelot (“Camelot”). It is love at first sight for the pair, but Guenevere is shocked