The Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater opened its 40th season with the musical “Camelot” on June 18 and I attended the preview/dress rehearsal the Friday night before. We were transported back to medieval England and the forest setting of the outdoor theater is absolutely perfect for creating the mood, especially during the evening hours.
We were treated to some superb musical numbers as sung by Robert Bogue (Arthur), Jamie A. Balducci (Guenevere) and Danny Miller (Lancelot). Danny is the publicity chair for the Forest Theater and we sit on the board together with the play’s director, Roger Westberg, who also played two small parts in the production. During the latter part of the play we were witness to a fantastic fire-eater, and this is especially dramatic at night.
“Camelot” runs through July 24 and the following weekend will see Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” directed by Roger Tompkins.
The Forest Theater’s 95 acres of forest and meadows are located about two and one-half miles down David Powell Road off the Preston-Fall City Road in Fall City. Showtimes are at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays; and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Barbecued steak, salmon or chicken dinners are cooked by celebrity chefs and served with salad and garlic mashed or baked potatoes. They are available for additional cost by reservation. Dinners must be reserved by the Thursday before the weekend and if you have dinner there you are assured a seat for the play. Otherwise tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out this year – call for reservations today. Remember that if you join the organization for a mere $60 in yearly dues, you receive two tickets to the play of your choice and access to the private park year-round via a gate card.
To learn more about the Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater or for driving directions and past play photos, check out its Web site at www.foresttheater.org, or call (425) 222.7044.
Sue Beauvais is a board member of the Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater and an enthusiastic supporter of the arts. Comments may be sent to suebeauvais@comcast.net or in care of the Valley Record.
