  Camelot and the Kennedy Legacy: A Special Performance The iconic musical Camelot is not just a beloved Broadway classic—it is forever intertwined with the legacy of President John F. Kennedy. As we prepare for The Southwest Florida Theatre Company’s upcoming perform- ance of this timeless show, we invite you to explore the fascinating connec- tion between Camelot and one of America’s most inspiring eras. Camelot opened on Broadway on December 3, 1960, at the Majestic Theatre, captivating audiences with its story of King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, and the Knights of the Round Table. But it wasn’t until after President Kennedy’s pas- sing in 1963 that the musical became closely linked with his legacy. Shortly after President Kennedy’s funeral, Jacqueline Kennedy invited writer Theodore White to the Kennedy home in Hyannisport, Massachusetts, asking him to write a piece for Life magazine about her late husband. The interview, which appeared in the December 6, 1963 issue of Life, would forever tie Camelot to the Kennedy presidency.  In that conversation, Jacqueline Kennedy described her husband’s presidency as a “magic moment” in American history, much like the world of Camelot it- self. She spoke of a time when “gallant men danced with beautiful women,” when great deeds were done, and when artists, writers, and poets gathered at the White House. She revealed that the final song from Camelot—the song re- flecting on the legacy of King Arthur’s idealized world—was a personal favor- ite of President Kennedy: “Don’t let it be forgot, That once there was a spot, For one brief, shining moment, That was known as Camelot.” In the interview, White also compared the Knights of the Round Table to the heroes of JFK’s presidency—those who sought justice and betterment for the nation, including the Peace Corps volunteers, NASA scientists, and Civil Rights advocates. Adding another layer to the connection between Camelot and JFK, lyricist Alan Jay Lerner, who co-created the musical, had been a classmate of Kennedy’s at Harvard. This shared history deepened the personal ties between the Kennedy family and the show. As we bring Camelot to the stage, we are reminded of how its music and themes represent a brief, shining moment in American history—one that continues to inspire us today. We hope you will join us for this special performance by the Southwest Florida Theater Company. 239.277.1700 | GulfCoastSymphony.org  |
