Kevin Logan, 30, is a 10-year veteran of the Medieval Times attraction—a thrilling castle-based dinner theater show that recreates the medieval period through a plot involving royals and knights, rousing jousts, clanging weapons, and a villain from a rival kingdom. He is walking behind a majestic white Andalusian Stallion, carefully pulling on the reins as he participates in the “Long Reins,” one of several acts in the show demanding exquisite control over a horse, along with rigorous athletic chops. On any given night, Logan plays one of six knights, each distinguished by the colorful tunic he wears and the unique set of choreographed maneuvers he performs. Logan got his start, not as a squire cleaning horse stalls—the classic route to “knighthood” at the attraction— but as a photographer shooting and selling souvenir shots of guests as they milled about the castle’s entrance hall, bar, and gift shop before the show. “The horses receive incredible training at the Medieval Times ranch in Texas, but they have a personality and mind of their own,” Logan says. “I still never quite know what to expect and yet, because of my experience, I’m oft en given the most diff icult animals to work with. I’m literally always learning something new.” In fact, he’s one of only a few knights who can execute specialized riding tricks. Hours of daily practice ensure that he’s at the top of his game for every performance, whatever role he plays, and nowadays he’s also using his substantial knowledge and skills to train others. Tonight, decked out in a vibrant tunic and shimmering chainmail-esque leggings, and wielding a one-handed titanium sword and shield—his favorite among an arsenal of swords, battle-axes, lances, and bolas— you’d never doubt that Logan’s anything but a master. Nor would you suspect he belongs to the 21st century rather than the 12th. In a single fluid motion, he jumps off his horse as it thunders across the arena’s sand floor and battles a fierce opponent, the audience avidly cheering him on all the while. He immediately took to the martial arts and audience engagement aspects of the show (the tiered arena draws legions of rapt fans), mastered the basic block and strike moves within just three months, and gained his first role as a knight. Gradually, over time, he expanded his repertoire to include more complex choreographed stunts and assumed additional roles, including speaking parts, which transformed him from a stunt man into a theatrical actor. Acquiring the necessary Spanish dressage horsemanship skills, however, was far more diff icult for him. Medieval Times manager Tim Baker had taken note of Logan’s muscular build and aff able personality, and asked him if he wanted to be part of the show. The The nightly show lasts about two hours, but very next day, the former high school the entertainment experience begins the football player found himself on the back moment visitors enter the castle grounds. of a horse (he’d never ridden one before), They can tour the Medieval Village that embarking on a long and arduous lies to the right of the castle drawbridge training journey. “I was so excited. It was and see authentic structures, artisans, and the perfect job displays of ancient for me,” Logan weaponry. Or they recalls. “I’d been I’M OFTEN GIVEN THE can cross the moat a serious athlete and enter the castle’s MOST DIFFICULT ANIMALS and loved all the huge entrance hall, TO WORK WITH. I’M LITERALLY hard eff ort and where they are given a practice involved, specific knight to root but then I hurt for. Soon aft er, they my knees and are seated in the arena couldn’t advance section dedicated in football. I’m to that knight and drawn to the athletic aspects of the treated to a scrumptious four-course feast Medieval Times show and the intense (served by wenches in costume and eaten patience and focus it demands of me.” with fingers only during the show). Various ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW. acts highlighting the horses, falconry, the knights, tournament-style games, and battles move the action along, keeping guests of all ages on the edge of their seats. Despite his long tenure at Medieval Times, Logan’s enthusiasm for it only continues to grow. What fuels his excitement these days are the reactions of the kids. “Every day I’m out there and see the joy in their faces I feel more of a responsibility to give them a great time and model this fascinating period of history for them,” he says. “While they’re here, they learn a lot about the medieval era and many of them come away wanting to be a knight, like me.”
Experience Kissimmee 2018 Kissimmee Destination Guide: Page 47
