Parker Hanawalt, a fourth grader at Radio Park Elementary School in State College, has been cast as Tom of Warwick in the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State presentation of the national tour of Lerner & Loewe’s “Camelot.” The show comes to Eisenhower Auditorium for one performance at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 20.
The 10-year-old Hanawalt, who moved to State College a little more than a year ago, was previously involved in Harrisburg’s Gamut Theatre, where he took classes and performed roles in three shows.
Hanawalt portrayed the Fool in Nittany Valley Shakespeare Company’s youth production of “Little Lear” last summer. He performed in Fuse Productions’ “Scrooge!” at the State Theatre in December. He also participates in State College’s Singing Onstage, where he has performed in “Seussical” and is rehearsing for “Guys and Dolls.”
Tom of Warwick, a young boy who wants to fight for what is right, is destined to become a knight. He gives King Arthur hope for the future.
“I think Tom of Warwick is adventurous, brave and passionate about being a knight one day,” said Hanawalt, who in his spare time enjoys drawing, playing the saxophone and taking Parkour classes. “I feel happy, special and very lucky to have this experience.”
The Center for the Performing Arts worked with Richard Biever—a State College theater teacher, director and producer—to audition young actors for the part. Three video auditions were submitted to Mark Minnick, the production’s associate producer for casting.
“All three boys did a very nice job and would be great,” Minnick said. “I feel that Parker Hanawalt will bring a wonderful look and quality to the final scene of the production and will be quite charming as Tom.”
The national tour of “Camelot” reimagines the classic tale of King Arthur, Guenevere and Sir Lancelot. Broadway’s sweeping tale of passion, pageantry and betrayal—winner for four Tony Awards—has never been more enthralling than in this new production. Intimate and fresh, the celebrated “Camelot” score includes “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “The Simple Joys of Maidenhood” and the title song.
Featuring a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, “Camelot” is based on the King Arthur legend adapted from the T.H. White novel “The Once and Future King.”
The original 1960 production ran on Broadway for 873 performances and spawned several revivals, foreign productions and a 1967 film that won three Academy Awards. The original Broadway cast recording was America’s best-selling album for 60 weeks.
Audio description, which is especially helpful to patrons with sight loss, is available for the April 20 performance at no extra charge to ticket holders.
Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring a visiting artist or artists, is offered in Eisenhower one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Artistic Viewpoints often fills to capacity, so seating is available on a first-arrival basis.
Kish Bank and Hoag’s Catering and Event Rentals sponsor the presentation. The Eisenhower Auditorium Endowment provides support. WJAC-TV and BIG FROGGY 101 are media sponsors.
To learn more about the Center for the Performing Arts presentation of “Camelot,” and for ticketing information, visit http://cpa.psu.edu or call 814-863-0255.
