A Medieval Times first: A woman in the lead role
In a major break from Medieval Times' 34-year tradition of casting a king in the show's lead role, the company has revealed that a queen will soon be in charge and sole ruler of the land.
For the first time since 2012, Medieval Times will unveil an all-new storyline on Dec. 7.
The new lead is cast as a firm but kind ruler respected throughout the kingdom who inherited the throne at the passing of her father, the previous king.
The company's leadership developed the idea to cast a matriarch, based in part on guest feedback that they would like to see women having more significant roles. The Schaumburg-based castle will be the second of nine Medieval Times locations nationwide to roll out the new show.
“Where previously our female characters played in more supportive roles, we are now showing a woman fully in charge, a woman whose authority is sometimes challenged, but she quickly rises to the occasion as a strong leader, squelching opposition,” says Leigh Cordner, Medieval Times show director.
Jousting, fighting, horsemanship, swordplay and a hot, four-course feast remain central elements of the dinner attraction. The premiere of the new show is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at Medieval Times, 2001 N. Roselle Road.
With the cast and script change come a series of other significant changes to the show:
• More than 700 new costumes for all nine castles' performers including horses, all of which are custom-designed and handmade at a dedicated costume shop near Dallas Design District.
• 200 new suits of armor, shields, and helmets, all of which are custom-designed and handmade at a dedicated armory in Florida.
• More than 350 team members and 225 horses train and rehearse new lines and fight scenes for three months while still presenting the current show.
• It takes two months to teach a queen to ride an Andalusian stallion.
• New music was composed by Daniel May, composer and jazz pianist who scored “Everest” and other films and who worked with Sting, The Moody Blues and others. He directed and recorded Medieval Times' new show composition in Kiev with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. He directed the choir in Ukraine with lyrics written by poet and choir member Solomia Gorokhivska, and a solo cellist and violin player from Pittsburgh.
• The audience experiences a live action film score that is precisely synchronized with every element of the show, from lights to fights; jousts to jabs; the queen's entry to curtain closings; and more.
• The sound and light team spends 120 hours programming 300 new music cues and 500 new lighting cues.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament was founded in 1977 in Spain. It launched in North America in 1983 and has since opened nine castles across the U.S. and in Toronto, Canada, entertaining more than 65 million guests over the past 34 years. Medieval Times' Schaumburg castle, which opened in 1991, is the only entertainment venue of its type in the Midwest.