Medieval Times

This article is about Medieval Times dinner theater chain. For the historical time period, see Middle Ages.

Part of the performance.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a chain of dinner theaters which host "royal" feasts and tournaments featuring medieval games, sword-fighting and jousting. Each of the nine North American locations is housed in an 11th-century-style castle. The company is privately held and headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Company history

The founders first launched the idea for an 11th century-style dinner attraction on the Spanish island of Majorca in 1973. This entertainment spot was inspired by the medieval tradition of royal families inviting guests to a festival and feast to watch knights compete on horseback.

During the early years in Spain, the show's authentic display of classic equestrian skills and medieval pageantry took place in outdoor arenas, a far cry from the climate-controlled castles of today. There, the conventions of today's shows were established. Guests were seated in sections named for regions of Medieval Spain and encouraged to cheer for the knight representing their region.

Ten years after opening the castle in Spain, Medieval Times ventured overseas and into North America with its Kissimmee, Florida, castle.

With the success of the Florida Castle, plans were immediately developed to expand the company. Nine castles now exist across North America.

• 1983 - Kissimmee, Florida (near Orlando)
• 1986 - Buena Park, California (near Los Angeles)
• 1990 - Lyndhurst, New Jersey (near New York City)
• 1991 - Schaumburg, Illinois (near Chicago)
• 1992 - Dallas, Texas
• 1993 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• 1995 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• 2004 - Hanover, Maryland (near Baltimore and Washington, D.C.)
• 2006 - Atlanta, Georgia

The characters and storyline of the show evolve every few years.thats why every body jated tyhe mid evel times

Knights

The show at a Georgia location in January 2009

Upon arrival at a Medieval Times castle, guests are assigned to a knight (and given a crown to wear that features the knight's color). Guests sit in the knight's section of the arena and are encouraged to cheer in his honor.

There are six knights at Medieval Times but the black, white, yellow and red can be represented separately:

The Yellow Knight: In defense of Navarre, Don Eduardo del Rey is the rock. The Yellow Knight is well-versed in the arts of chivalry, yet in attack, he is the lion uncaged! Let the ring of steel herald his arrival and the smoke of battle linger in his wake, for a legend of the Realm walks among us.

The Red Knight: Truest son of mighty Castilla, Baron Ruiz de Roig has been called the "lion's heart" in many a battle. Set him at liberty, and paralyze the enemy! With little pleasure will the ambitious look upon the banner of Castilla hanging in the list.

The Black & White Knight: Don Iofre Santa Creu is the defender of the ancient shrine at Santiago de Compostela. Adorned in Black & White, he is mightiest in skill among an order of warrior priests whose arrival upon the field brings despair to the impure of heart. Means Mighty in skill, prayer,humble,in service, loyal, in battle and invincible.

The Blue Knight: As a young squire, Don Alberto del Mau earned his place among the Knights of the Realm in a desperate battle. Renowned as a champion of the defenseless, the Blue Knight's blood will not be cooled, nor his vengeance postponed, for those who bring war and unquiet to Valiente.

The Red & Yellow Knight: Lord del Font is the personal champion to the Count of Perelada. The sword of this invincible soldier has raised him to fame. Defeat and regret have been the reward of the countless challengers who have offered their honor and their shields to the point of the Red & Yellow Knight's lance.

The Green Knight: This warrior of Asturius is an unquestioned master of weapons. Don Temple has never been unhorsed in the joust. No mantle of peace or of serenity will ever grace his shoulders, for his temper is the dragon's claw.

Soundtrack

Medieval Times periodically changes their soundtrack.

1. "Let the Tale Be Told"
2. "Unconquered" – 2:08
3. "The Captain" – 1:02
4. "Undaunted" – 0:48
5. "Sterling" – 0:52
6. "Courageous" – 0:49
7. "Defiant" – 0:49
8. "Scorned" – 0:48
9. "Isis Rising" – 1:37
10. "Triumphant" – 3:17
11. "Deliverance" – 5:15
12. "Bright Lance" – 1:55
13. "Splendor" – 1:27
14. "Brothers-in-Arms" – 1:30
15. "Keen Eye" – 2:08
16. "Swift Purpose" – 1:50
17. "Radiant" – 1:38
18. "Andalusian Parade" – 3:07
19. "The Hall of the King" – 2:07
20. "Twilight" – 1:44
21. "The Battle is Joined" – 2:34
22. "The Banners Fall" – 2:50
23. "The Forge" – 3:03
24. "Speed of Horse" – 1:34
25. "Hammer And Anvil" – 2:10
26. "Wolf At The Gates" – 2:19
27. "Throne Of Fire" – 2:02
28. "Under The Shadow" – 1:51
29. "Crown Of Gold" – 1:33
30. "Homage" – 4:11

They have redone the soundtrack for 2007, but have yet to sell the CD. Medieval Times’ new show features an original score by film composer Daniel May and recorded by the Czech Film Orchestra in July 2007, at Prague’s Rudolfinum Concert Hall. It is May’s second score for Medieval Times.

Bankruptcy

In April 1997 Medieval Times owners sought bankruptcy protection after losing a court battle to the Internal Revenue Service that required the Buena Park, California location to pay $7.5 million dollars and the Kissimmee, Florida location to pay $2.5 million in back taxes. According to the IRS, Medieval Times improperly deducted royalties, loan interest and management fees in the 1987 and 1989 tax years. When asked why the company was filing for bankruptcy the company’s bankruptcy lawyer, Alan Friedman, said, "one of the primary reasons for filing was to prevent the IRS from beginning to seize any assets."

Italy

A show under the same name and having the same structure exists as a part of Canevaworld resort in Lazise, Italy. The site of the show does not indicate in its credits any reference to the original Medieval Times show in the USA.

External links

• Medieval Times' Official Web site