Attending a play or musical is a riveting experience, but the journey leading up to that momentous occasion often goes unnoticed. The creative process, ranging from writing to auditions, rehearsals to set building, costume design to stage preparation, and more, is crucial in setting the stage for opening night. Camelot, a well-known musical, tells the tale of King Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere, who, like any other production, went through a series of growing pains. However, what sets Camelot apart is the fictional novel that delves into the events that might have taken place leading up to their debut.

Susan Dormady Eisenberg’s One More Seat at the Round Table is a charming account of the hypothetical development of the musical Camelot. Set in 1960, the novel follows the aspirations of a young woman named Jane Conroy, who dreams of working in theater, and Bryce Christmas, a budding actor in the show and Jane’s love interest. Jane’s job as an assistant to Brock Remsen, the production director for Camelot, thrusts her into a world of glamourous parties and famous names, which she sometimes finds overwhelming. The author’s extensive research and imaginative liberties are evident in her writing, and she provides readers with a delightful exploration of musical theater and history. It is quite likely that Eisenberg has hands-on experience in the theater industry, as her depiction of the nuances of stage productions and the relationships between the crew and actors is spot on.

One More Seat at the Round Table is a captivating historical fiction story about what could have been. While romance and relationships take center stage in the novel, suspending our disbelief that these events may not have unfolded precisely as described is essential. Nonetheless, it is a delightful read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good love story, musical theater, and history.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/04/one-more-seat-at-the-round-table/