Las Vegas Weekly

May 26, 2010 · 1:46 PM

Excalibur and Tournament of Kings mark 20th anniversary

By Robin Leach

Excalibur's Tournament of Kings.

Photo: Excalibur

It’s a 20-year success story that’s still going strong. In a day and age of Cirque du Soleil acrobats and gymnasts grabbing headlines, it’s nice to know that the original dinner theater Strip spectacular is very much alive and well. It, too, comes with stunning stunts and remains a true Las Vegas classic perfect for the entire family.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Tournament of Kings, which is simultaneously celebrating its 20th anniversary with employees of the Excalibur. The timeless entertainment with its great value and horsemanship continues to thrill -- no wonder then that one Las Vegas resident has seen the twice-nightly show 29 times, and one California guest has racked up a staggering 113 visits.

Travel back in time to the magical and mystical history of an era of gallant knights, kings and nobility leading their lands from majestic castles where fabulous feasts were served every time there was a celebration of valor. Welcome to the Court of the Round Table in King Arthur’s Arena, a 900-seat traditional showroom created as a circular jousting pit with earthen floor.

Like Cirque, this is a major production with 44 actors and musicians and 38 horses that participate in the competition. The audience adds to the spectacle. “They are singing, cheering and up on their feet,” director Phil Sherburne said. “Audience participation is an integral part of the show.”

Tournament of Kings is the story of King Arthur celebrating the return of his son with a fantastic banquet, and then a contest between the knights on their steeds. But King Arthur’s hospitality is met with hostility when evil fire wizard Mordred invades, and the kings of Europe must unite to defeat the fire wizard. Original concept creator Peter Jackson’s son Patrick now produces the show with Emmy-nominated designer Michel Fresnay, who created the glamorous costumes harking back to Camelot. There are amazing visual effects and pyrotechnics that heighten the thrill-a-minute experience.

You know me and my thirst for fun facts behind our Strip productions:

*Since opening in June 1990, some 6.4 million Cornish game hens have been served to guests. That makes Excalibur the No. 1 purchaser of game hens in the U.S.

*In 2008, Tournament of Kings had 48 marriage proposals in the audience, and every one was a “Yes, I will marry you” success.

*Twelve horses are used in each performance drawn from the 30 horses and 12 breeds in the Tournament of Kings stable.

*The core team nightly includes the producer, office manager, stunt coordinator and director who have never missed a show in 20 years.

*The swords used in the battle sequences are made from titanium, which create the sparks as the warriors battle.

*Over the course of a year, some 36,000 lances are smashed in the contests.

*The tips of the jousting lances are made from balsa wood. Eight lance tips are used per show, and 4,200 have to be replaced annually.

Tournament of Kings is twice daily at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays and dark Tuesdays. It’s a historical and authentic adventure that offers unique thrills and chills. Happy 20th, everybody!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

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