Starring in the Briarwood Academy production of Camelot are (l-r) Blake Stitcher, Brittany Ray, and Joseph Baldwin. Medieval England takes center stage this weekend at Briarwood as the Briarwood Academy Choral Department presents one of the world's most popular musicals, Camelot, at 7 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25, in the Briarwood Field House.

"Our leads are outstanding," said Chorus Director Jeanie Joesbury, adding that approximately 80 students are in the play which will feature not only the largest set, but also the most lavish costumes the Chorus has used in a musical.

Veteran Briarwood actors occupy the lead roles, according to Mrs. Joesbury. Senior Joseph Baldwin of Washington will portray King Arthur in his final role for the Briarwood Chorus, while junior Davis Griffin and freshman Brittany Ray, also of Washington, will portray Lancelot and Guenevere.

The romantic musical features such memorable songs as Camelot, If Ever I Would Leave You, How to Handle a Woman, and I Loved You Once in Silence.

Les Reagan will play the piano and assist with the production. Briarwood senior Matthew Rivers is serving as choreographer.

Camelot is the tale of the magical and idealistic, romantic kingdom of the legendary King Arthur. King Arthur weds his chosen bride, Guenevere, and with her support and the tutorage of his magician, senior Jason Dunham as Merlyn, brings tranquility and justice to his domain with the establishment of the famous Round Table.

Lancelot arrives to join King Arthur and falls in love with Queen Guenevere, who returns his affection. Out of deep respect and affection for the King, Lancelot leaves on quests, but eventually returns. Arthur's evil son, junior Chase Wilson as Mordred, who despises all of the good his father has accomplished, tricks Lancelot and Guenevere into a compromising situation, turning Arthur's just laws to his evil wants and forcing a war.

Before the battle begins, King Arthur forgives Queen Guenevere and Lancelot, and then he finds a young man who aspires to join the Round Table and charges him with passing on to the next generations the ideals of Camelot.

Other featured actors with Washington connections include Blake Stitcher as Sir Lionel; Ali Dyson as Lady Sybil; Olivia Lyons as Lady Ann; Angela Kirkland as Lady #1; and Jackson Lyons as the Second Soloist.

Lords and Ladies of Camelot from Washington are Emily Henderson, Ryan Pritchett, Brandy Ray, Lizzie Keen, Adam Hardy, and Grace Blackmon-Hughes.

Juniors Bonnie Bounds and Liz Grant are serving as assistant sound designers for the musical.

Tickets may be purchased in the school office or at the door the evening of the performance.