Another Shining Moment

Lively Camelot draws 1,200 guests for three weekend performances.

Don't let it be forgot

That once there was a spot

For one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot.

With these final lyrics, the production of the musical Camelot at Sacred Heart came to an end with the last show on Saturday, March 21. For the members of the cast and crew, that one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot will definitely not be forgot.

After a weekend of three shows, the number of attendees who filled the auditorium was estimated to be 1,200, which included family members of seminarians, members of the local community, and parishioners from throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit and beyond. At the end of each performance, attendees reached deeply to give a freewill offering to help the seminarians replace outdated stage equipment so this theatrical tradition can continue. The donations placed into the collection baskets totaled an astounding $9,630.

Mostly Seminarian—with Some Help

Camelot was a seminarian-run production primarily: the men constructed the sets and props, worked on the backstage crew, directed the show, worked as ushers, and performed both acting onstage and playing instruments in the pit orchestra. In all, twenty-four seminarians acted in the musical. They received help from Ms. Grace Knoche, who performed the sole female role of Queen Guenevere, and splendidly so. Grosse Pointe Theatre graciously donated the use of costumes; St. Thecla Parish theater department the use of its stage lighting; Mr. Joel Lepp and Mr. Terry O'Neill their help in setting up the lights and sound equipment; and the De La Salle Collegiate Wig and Mask Society for the use of its microphones. The seminarians say, Thank you, all!

As with the previous spring performances, the men chose Camelot because, understandably, most of the parts are played by men. Set in medieval England, Camelot follows the well-known story of King Arthur as he tries to establish a new order of civility after witnessing the brutality of war. He realizes it is not always true that might is right; instead, he would strive to establish a system of might for right through the Knights of the Round Table.

Six Plays and Counting

Putting on a yearly play had been a seminary tradition since the 1930s. The tradition was discontinued in 1989then resurrected six years ago by two seminarians with a background in drama and plenty of creative determination.

If we both end up in seminary, wouldn't it be great to start up the plays again? Brian Meldrum and Matthew Hood asked each other during a Discernment Weekend they attended in 2008. Supported by the administration, the men decided to make this passing thought real after entering the seminary in 2009. With Brian directing and Matthew assisting, the seminarians staged the first play in Sacred Heart's vintage auditorium in twenty-one years, 12 Angry Men, in the spring of 2010. The following springs saw the men collaborating on directing Room Service, Oliver, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and 1776.

With Deacon Brian busy preparing for priestly ordination this spring, Matthew sat in the director's chair for the first time for this year's Camelot. I'm really grateful for Brian's leadership over the years, Matthew says, and for giving me a great example to follow.

The seminarian are determined to keep the stage tradition alive. Who will take on the director's duties after Matthew enters the priesthood ideally in 2017? It will be interesting to find out.