Camelot Review By April S. June
Summer Theatre of New Canaan
Shows | Review
"Who Needs Broadway When a Stunning
Camelot is Right Here in Fairfield County"
by June S. April
"ASTOUNDING PRODUCTION"
There are fifty-five reasons to get down to New Canaan's Waveny Park to see the Summer Theatre of New Canaan's astounding production of Camelot before it closes on August 2. The list would begin with Director Melody Libonati and end with the impressive performance of Johnny Depp, who plays Horrid, the Knight Pellinore's canine companion.
The ten major players, all Equity (save 2) breathe pulsating life to this legendary tale of King Arthur, his lovely Queen Guenevere, and the Knights of the Round Table. Don't let the trappings and the tent fool you. Not a huge stage in a grand theater, rather this tented Camelot has instead the greater grandeur of Nature. This jewel of a musical is truly Broadway quality. Choreography that works so well for all the levels of the dancers involved is a challenge that has been creatively and superbly met by Doug Shankman. It is a wonderfully integral part of this show. Lighting (Jeffrey Whitsett), set designer (Patrick Lynch), and Arthur Oliver's imaginative and fabulous costumes amplify the magic of Medieval times.
A sweet and naive King Arthur is played by Sean Hannon, who would be a perfect Prince Charming with his good looks, but like Richard Burton's portrayal, his singing is surpassed by his speaking tones. A zesty and gorgeous Guenevere (Allison Gray) has a resplendent voice, sensuous, velvet and lilting. She also appeared in last season's STONC production of The Music Man as Marion the Librarian. Her performance was one of the vocal highlights of that musical as well. Square-jawed and irresistible best describe Richard Hartley as Sir Lancelot. Always on pitch, vowels quite true, his rich, sonorous voice is powerful, yet controlled. As pure as he is upon joining the Round Table, the depth of his passion for Guenevere and Arthur create a romantic triangle and tension that has made this musical a classic, one of the timeless favorites.
In Act 2 enters pure evil, the bastard son ( he was drugged into fatherhood) and nemesis of King Arthur; Mordred. Every movement of this vengeful offspring is diabolically calculated and Christian Libonati's characterization is so deliciously wicked.
There are 3 tiers of supporting ensembles, "Adult, Teen and Youth." There are twenty-seven of them and even the youngest was totally engaged and right on cue.
Situated on the side of the stage and slightly behind it is the 7-piece orchestra. Under the guidance of the very talented Musical Director and composer Tyler Beattie in co-operation with Orchestra Co-ordinator Scott Cranston and Conductor Jim Haddon (who also plays the synthesizer with phenomenal expertise) it sounded rather like a much larger body of musicians. They were very, very impressive.
Camelot was written in 1960 by the legendary team of Lerner and Lowe. The success of My Fair Lady almost guaranteed a positive response to Frederic Loewe's lyrical and enchanting music The Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. It won 4 Tony Awards and had several Broadway Revivals beginning in 1980. The 1967 Film adaptation was also a great success. The story is drawn from the book Once and Future King by T.H. White.
I regret that space does not allow mentioning and commending each of the members involved in Camelot with the STONC production. Truly, they all did a splendid and most entertaining job.
There is a message for audiences worthy to be heard that is part of this story. Summer Theatre of New Canaan's Artistic Director Melody Libonati notes in the program that, "Camelot is a story of hope in the midst of trying times." King Arthur seeks to create a different civilization, one dedicated to justice not destruction and mayhem. If this resonates and memorable music and fine acting are of interest, then this production should not be missed.
For additional information go to STONC.org