Thespian Thoughts – Merlin: The Untold Adventures – theatre review by Sandro Monetti

MERLIN: THE UNTOLD ADVENTURES
It’s Merlin but not as you know him in this ambitious saga about the sorcerer’s early years.
Theatre Review by: SANDRO MONETTI

Long before the familiar stories of Camelot, the sword in the stone and the knights of the round table, we find the wizard crossing paths with dueling dynasties and rampaging royals in a dark but dramatic period of British history.

Aimed squarely at Game of Thrones fans rather than Disney devotees, it’s a hard hitting look at the events that shaped the mythical figure on his way to becoming counselor to King Arthur.

Adding to the unusual nature of the production is the casting of a woman as the first man of magic and Melora Marshall seems to be channeling both Gandalf and early Doctor Who in bringing a nice detached wisdom to the part.

From a giant, gorgeously costumed and hard working cast of 40, young Emelie O’Hara stands out by bringing sensitivity and star quality to the pivotal role of Nimue.

The show is staged at one of the world’s most beautiful outdoor theatrical spaces, Theatricum in rustic Topanga, California, and writer-director Ellen Geer uses every inch of the verdant setting to aid the telling of a sometimes confusing but always fascinating story.

This is one production where’s there’s magic in the venue as well as on the stage.

MERLIN: THE UNTOLD ADVENTURES

Written and Directed by Ellen Geer

Remaining performances August 9, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31. September 1, 7, 14, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29.
At Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290.
Tickets priced $35 and $25, seniors and students $25 and $15, children (7-12) $10, children under 6: free
To book tickets call 310 455 3723 or go to To Purchase Tickets

CREDITS

Cast includes: Melora Marshall, Colin Simon, Timothy McCray, Jim LeFave, Aaron Hendry, Susan Angelo, Lily Andrew, Claire Andrew, Abby Craden, Willow Geer, Samara Frame, Michael McFall, Emelie O’Hara.

Original music composed by Marshall McDaniel and Kellen McDaniel
Fight Choroegrapher – Aaron Hendry
Stage Manager – Elna Kordijan
Costume Designer – Ben Kahookele
Sound Designer – Ian Flanders

Lighting Designer – Zach Moore

Thespian Thoughts is a column on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.