A couple years ago I traveled to Chicago to visit my brother who was stationed there with the navy. He was just finishing up with boot camp, and we were half visiting, half celebrating his graduation. We spent about four days there and we covered a fair portion of the city. Navy Pier, and the Museum of Science and Industry (which had one of the actual Ford Angelinas that were used in the filming of Harry Potter) were both awesome in their own ways, but my favorite place to see had to have been Medieval Times.
Medieval Times is a restaurant where you not only watch a show full of medieval sports such as jousting and sword fighting, but you also eat like you’re in that time period. The waiters don’t give you silverware. The meal is served in courses and includes everything from soup and chicken to apple strudel. And while you eat, knights on horse-back search to find a missing herald in order to create peace between two kingdoms through a marriage proposal. Only one thing stands in their way, one of knights isn’t as good as he seems. This knight wants to ruin the chances of the other knights' survival as well as the chances of peace between the kingdoms. The knights share this role as it varies from show to show, but the character adds to the suspense and the urgency of the quest at hand.
Upon arrival, the audience members are divided up to support each of six knights; I supported the black and white knight. Spectators are given flags and crowns for their knight, and the most enthusiastic audience members seated near the front may receive flowers from their knight during the show. After being seated, waiters bring out the meal and Lord Chancellor takes the floor to introduce the show. He gives some background information, then brings out the knights in order to begin.
A net is lowered around the arena to protect the audience from the splintering of lances during the joust. After the joust, the net stays down, and the real fun begins. The knights engage in sword fighting, and true intensions of one of the knights are revealed. The knight in question got rid of the missing herald and wants to take over the kingdoms and rule for himself. The show continues as the knights embark on a mission to find the herald, and defeat the rebel among them. It also includes a visit from the royal falconer and the royal falcon themselves. Only one knight comes out on top, and they earn eternal glory. The knight who turns against the king earns a life of eternal shame.
Every kid dreams of being a knight in armor at one point in their life, and every little girl wants to be a princess. I know I did. Coming to the castles allows any child or adult to relive and enjoy those fantasies again on a larger scale. I would love to go to Chicago again, just to see the show. I personally have a little thing against the green knight since he kind of defeated my knight, but I wouldn't care if I ended up with the evil knight. He kicks butt sometimes! One of the upside to when I went to the show was that I was able to sit in the front and see everything clearly and get even deeper into the action. I loved it
Medieval Times takes the definition of dinner theater to a whole new level. It allows everyone to relive that point and time of fantasy in their life and enjoy the thrill of a royal tournament. With a meal fit for a king and many royal characters, it is hard to be bored in the palace. There is always so much going on, and so much that the audience can take part in. So take a trip to the dungeons! Or just come to see the knights. It doesn't matter why you come, all that matters is that you have an unforgettable time.
LS
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