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March 14, 2003
Lots of magic in Merlin
James Fagan Tait's acting offers wild, crazy humor.
KYLE BERGER REPORTER
It was in 1975 when the Carousel Theatre Company opened with their
first production in Vancouver, a musical version of the Arthurian
legend, Merlin. Twenty-eight years later, the company decided
to return to its roots with Canadian playwright Paul Ledoux's version
of the same show at Granville Island's Waterfront Theatre.
Merlin tells the story of King Arthur's faithful magician
and how his dreams and visions contributed to Arthur's eventual
reign and peace in the region.
Promoted as a family-oriented production, the story proved difficult
to follow for someone unfamiliar with the characters of Arthurian
times – a world that many adults left behind in their childhood.
With creative sound and theatrical effects, Merlin was led
by actor James Fagan Tait, whose version of the magician was a humorous
cross between the character of Jack on the hit TV comedy Will
and Grace and crazy Doc Brown from the Back to the Future
trilogy.
The show also featured a strong performance from Jewish community
member Rebecca Auerbach as young Merlin.
Most recently, Auerbach performed in a solo show, To the Victor
Goes the Spoiled, on the Studio 58 stage and she will spend
her summer as a cast member with Bard on the Beach.
With several well-choreographed sword-fighting scenes and even more
creative costumes, Merlin is fun to watch for action and
fantasy enthusiasts of all ages.
However, far be it for an older, 27-year-old reporter like myself
to review a performance by King Arthur and his men. The more important
comments came from 10-year-old Annie Gurvis, who took in the show
with her father, Mark, executive director of the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver. She gave the show two thumbs up, stating,
"I liked Merlin's funny lines."
Merlin runs at the Waterfront Theatre until March 23. Tickets
are $12 to $24 and can be purchased at the theatre box office by
calling 604-685-6217.
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